The world’s libraries are extraordinary places. Though devoted to books, knowledge and learning some buildings housing libraries are works of art in themselves. With so many unique and amazing buildings to choose from, compiling a small list of favorite libraries is a very personal task. Each of us is drawn to a certain library just as we are drawn to a piece of art—because it touches us in some special, oftentimes indefinable way.
Opened to the public in 1897, the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, represents in its interior design the works of almost 50 American artists. These painters and sculptors created an elaborate interior fitting for the building’s magnificent architecture. The Great Hall of the Thomas Jefferson Building offers a perfect example of the incredible work done by those privileged to work on what was then called an “unparalleled national achievement” and the “largest, costliest and safest” library in the world.
Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building Great Hall (via)
The George Peabody Library, affectionately called “The Cathedral of Book” because of its awe-inspiring architecture is part of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Opened in 1878, the library building was designed by Edmund G. Lind, a prominent Baltimore architect. Today, in addition to being used as a research library, it is available as an event space. Probably the building’s most recognizable interior space, the Peabody Stack Room features five stories with decorative railings from the Bartlett-Robbins Company. With gold-leafed classical embellishments this room soars to a glass-filled skylight 61 feet above.
George Peabody Library Stack Room (via)
The British Library in London, England, was officially established in 1973, but that date is deceptive because it was part of the British Museum dating back to the mid-1800s. The British Museum Reading Room with its magnificent architecture served as the main reading room for the United Kingdom’s national library until 1997. It is still open today and now houses the Library’s collection of books that focus on the British Museum.
British Library British Museum Reading Room (via)
Bibliotheca Alexandrina (New Library of Alexandria)
This last library is built in a totally different style. The interior of the Library of Alexandria in Alexandria, Egypt, mirrors the sweeping design of its modern exterior. The new Library of Alexandria is built on a location very close to the original library which was built in 290 BC and thought to have been destroyed by fire upon the arrival of Julius Caesar in 48 BC, although some scholars say the destruction came much later.
The cultural complex and the new library with a main reading room featuring eleven levels topped by a magnificent roof of glass panels was designed by Norwegian architectural firm Snohetta and was officially opened in October 2002.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina Interior (via)
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