It is troubling that during this lockdown, many of us were and are denied access to libraries, but it is understandable. Because, even though libraries may seem like they cater to solitary endeavours, they play a far greater role with communities than given credit for.
They are a place to gather for children for story-time or creative programs; folk can gather in a book reading club; anyone can go to a library to ask questions and find answers that lead to more questions and hopefully other answers. You don’t have to have financial wealth to visit, study, and learn.
Nothing beats your local library (so please support them) but as travel opens up again, here is a totally subjective list of the top 8 most interesting libraries in the world; not just for their books, but their beauty, architecture, size, and ability to gather people (in no particular order):
George Peabody Library, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Part of Johns Hopkins University, this library is open to the public in Baltimore.
The New York Public Library, New York, NY, USA
The main branch on Fifth Avenue boasts a lovely marble façade and lion statues that guard the base of the steps.
The Central Library of Vancouver, BC, Canada
Modeled after the Colosseum in Rome, it has nine floors with over 9 million items and a rooftop garden.
Bodleian Library, Oxford, England
In use since the 14th century with 12 million volumes to peruse thought handling the first Gutenberg Bible or Shakespeare’s First folio may be frowned upon.
Trinity College Old Library, Dublin, Ireland
Beautiful dark wood arches contain over 7 million volumes and home to such ancient texts as The Book of Kells.
Admont Abbey Library, Admont, Austria
Attached to a monastery, this library opened in 1776, and contains the largest number of monastic items in the world. It is a stunning interior to study in.
Library of Alexandria, Egypt
Wait, it still exists you say?!? Well, no, the original was burnt down by Caesar’s armies but this attractive building is covered in carvings from local artists and is surrounded by a reflecting pool.
Royal Portuguese Reading Room, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Its interior has a decorative design that certainly impresses book lovers but don’t be too awed, you can still study here.
And one more for good measure:
Beitou Public Library, Taiwan
Just because it looks so incredibly beautiful and has balconies along the buildings side where you can curl up with a favourite novel in a rocking chair.
Do you ever visit libraries when you travel?