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Though they are losing ground to the e-book and the audiobook, public libraries were once central hubs of human intellectual progress. There's something about them that still attracts people, however – whether it's their magnificent historical buildings or the unmistakable smell of old books and dust, scholars and bookworms alike still enjoy perusing their hoards of literary treasures.
Because of their critical importance, libraries were often built to be beautiful and built to last. Combined with the sometimes priceless book collections that they hold, their simultaneously enormous and intimate spaces possess a charm that no other type of building can command.
If you know of any other beautiful libraries that should be celebrated by all the book lovers, then please add them to this list. You can vote for your favorite houses of knowledge as well!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
The National Library Of Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
#2
Trinity College Library, Dublin, Ireland
#3
Biblioteca Real Gabinete Portugues De Leitura, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
#4
The Admont Library, Admont, Austria
#5
George Peabody Library, Baltimore, Maryland, Usa
#6
St. Florian Monastery, Austria
#7
Bibliothèque Nationale De France, Paris, France
#8
Handelingenkamer Tweede Kamer Der Staten-generaal Den Haag Iii, Netherlands
#9
Austrian National Library, Vienna, Austria
#10
Biblioteca Joanina, Coimbra, Portugal
#11
The City Libary, Stuttgart, Germany
#12
The Iowa State Law Library, Iowa, Usa
#13
The Oberlausitzische Library Of Science, Gorlitz, Germany
#14
Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Yale University, Connecticut, Usa
#15
The Old Public Library Of Cincinnati, Ohio, Usa
PaulAraujo 9 years ago
Sadly, this library was torn down in 1955 at the time no one complained. Now everyone realizes we lost a national treasure. Check youtube.
#16
Bibliothèque Sainte Geneviève, Paris, France
#17
New York Public Library
Final score:
126points
NeelimaJune 9 years ago
The Iconic NYPL sometimes running into financial trouble. Hope it remains an Icon!
Amaria Esp 4 years ago
#TheDayAfterTommorrow , just watched it the other day or so I think the kids held up here, waiting for someone to save them ...
SusanParker 9 years ago
I spent so much time doing research here that I almost forgot how beautiful it was. Sadly, I always felt the security guards "hated books"!
Lillian Cooke 9 years ago
An amazing place to visit in the Heart of NYC. So many people pass it and don't stop in.
#18
Walker Library, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Usa
#19
Vennesla Library, Vennesla, Norway
#20
Bibliothèque Mazarine, Paris, France
#21
St John's College Library, Cambridge, Uk
#22
The Library Of Congress, Washington, D.c., Usa
#23
Technical University "gheorghe Asachi" Library, Iasi, Romania
Final score:
94points
DanCăpitandePlai 9 years ago
Actually more like School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Library of the aforementioned university :)
#24
The Great Library Of The Reformed Church College Of Sarospatak - Sarospatak, Hungary
Final score:
92points
#25
The National Library Of China, Beijing, China
#26
Archiepiscopal Library Kromeriz, Czech Republic
Final score:
73points
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#27
Harper Library, Usa
#28
Palácio Nacional De Mafra, Portugal
Final score:
56points
#29
Budapest University Of Technology And Economics (bme), Hungary
Final score:
48points
DorottyaOpánszky 9 years ago
Looks like a classroom in Roxfort... that dude only should be Hermione ^^
#30
The Tripitaka Koreana Library, Haeinsa Temple, South Korea
#31
The Forgotten Library
Final score:
41points
#33
Abbey Library Of Saint Gallen Switzerland
Final score:
33points
#34
National Library Of Chile, Santiago, Chile
Final score:
31points
LukaMusicki 9 years ago
Interesting library, exquisite collection of furniture and very good style.
#35
Library Of Orthopedic Institute Rizzoli - Bologna
Final score:
31points
#36
Trinity College Library - Dublin - Ireland
Final score:
31points
#37
Book Mountain, Spijkenisse, Netherlands
ManricoMetiong 9 years ago
Manrico Metiong in Coski1 better schedule Gorlitz write in UC Berkeley, Uottawa in Canada Encyclopedia books METIONG'S folder paper send PHD hp m.metiong.
#38
State Library Of Victoria, Australia
Olivia Shue 4 years ago
I've been there in 2018. State Library Of Victoria is stunning. 2020-03-01...cd-png.jpg 
#42
Ottawa, Canada Parliamentary Library
Final score:
27points
ManricoMetiong 9 years ago
Manrico Metiong in Coski1 better schedule Gorlitz write in UC Berkeley, Uottawa in Canada Encyclopedia Books METIONG'S PHD hp folder paper send m.metiong.
#43
Royal Site Of San Lorenzo De El Escorial Library, S. Lorenzo De El Escorial, Spain
Final score:
26points
#44
Stockholm Public Library
Final score:
25points
#45
El Ateneo. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Final score:
25points
#46
Szabó Ervin Library, Budapest, Hungary
Final score:
25points
ManricoMetiong 9 years ago
Manrico Metiong in Coski1 better schedule Gorlitz write in UC Berkeley, Uottawa in Canada Encyclopedia Books METIONG'S my father with mother is uncle and auntie Borther sister children in home course relations finally in folder paper send PHD hp m.metiong
#47
Library Of Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
#49
The National Library Of Finland, Helsinki, Finland
Final score:
20points
Marcus Lindén (Submission author) 9 years ago
Virtual Tour -> http://www.virtuaalikuvaus.com/kansalliskirjasto/esitys_en.html
#50
Lello & Irmão Bookstore, Porto, Portugal
Final score:
20points
Tania Morais (Submission author) 9 years ago
The library was the scene of some scenes from the movie Harry Potter , the Library Flourish and Blots , in King's Cross.
#52
Library Of The Honourable Society Of Lincoln's Inn, London Wc2, U.k.
Final score:
18points
#53
Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria, Egypt
#54
National Library Of Latvia, Riga
Final score:
17points
#55
Canadian Library Of Parliament, Ottawa On Exterior
Final score:
17points
Ruut Cederfay 9 years ago
Cool picture of cool old library, but it's already listed as No 48 on the list. (At the time of me posting this.)
#56
Strahov Monastery Library, Prague, Czech Republic
Final score:
17points
#58
An Almost 180-degree Panoramic View Of The British Museum Reading Room.
Final score:
16points
#59
Melk Abbey Library - Melk, Austria
Final score:
16points
#60
Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Vatican City
Final score:
16points
#61
Central University Library Of Bucharest (biblioteca Centrală Universitară „carol I”)
Final score:
16points
#62
Bapst Library, Boston College
Final score:
14points
#64
Library At The National Palace In Mafra, Portugal
Final score:
13points
#68
Biblioteca Do Palácio Nacional De Mafra, Mafra, Portugal
Final score:
12points
#70
Utrecht University City Center Library, Netherlands
Final score:
11points
ManricoMetiong 9 years ago
Manrico Metiong in Coski1 better schedule Gorlitz write in UC Berkeley, Uottawa in Canada Encyclopedia Books METIONG'S my Family and friends course relations folder paper send PHD hp m.metiong.
#71
Indianapolis Central Library, Indianapolis, Usa
#75
Black Diamond Royal Danish Library, Copenhagen - Denmark
Final score:
10points
Marilyn Silver 4 years ago
This is a beautiful building in a charming city: it is jarring in contrast to older regal buildings, adjacent. Fits in with other contemporary buildings in the neighbourhood. Controversial for Danes.
#77
Biblioteca Do Conento De Mafra, Portugal
Final score:
10points
#78
University Of Michgan Law School Library
Final score:
9points
#79
The 19th Century National Library Of Greece In Athens
Final score:
9points
#82
Biblioteca Do Palacio Nacional De Mafra, Mafra, Portugal
Final score:
8points
#83
Carol I National College - Craiova - Mihail Strajan Library - October 18, 1836
Final score:
8points
#85
Cărturești Carusel Library, Bucharest, Romania
Final score:
8points
#88
San Diego Central Library
Final score:
7points
#90
El Escorial, Monastery And Tomb Of The Kings, Madrid, Spain
Final score:
7points
#92
Stiftsbibliothek, St. Gallen, Switzerland - Unesco World Cultural Heritage Site
Final score:
7points
#96
The John Ryland's Library, Manchester, Uk
Final score:
6points
KellyEllis (Submission author) 9 years ago
This library is part of manchester university and has one of only two fragments of St Johns Gospel on display.
#97
Library Of Vilnius University - Mkic. Lithuania, Vilnius
Final score:
6points
#101
Teleki Library, Marosvasarhely(targu Mures), Transylvania
Final score:
6points
#102
National Library Of Latvia, Riga
Final score:
5points
LiutaurasDomeika (Submission author) 9 years ago
I'm from Lithuania but i love Latvia like my brother country. Braliukai!
#103
Phillips Exeter Academy Library, U.s. (architect Louis Kahn)
Final score:
5points
#105
El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Final score:
5points
#107
Central Library Of Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
Final score:
5points
#113
Vancouver Central Library, Vancouver , Canada, Has Nine-stories And Resembles The Colosseum
Final score:
4points
#115
Kanazawa Umimirai Library, Kanazawa City, Japan
#117
Qods Razavi Public Library, Mashhad, Iran
Final score:
3points
#120
Mitchell Library, Sydney Australia
Final score:
3points
#121
Mitchell Library Reading Room
Final score:
3points
#125
Globe Atrium, Los Angeles Public Library (bertram Goodhue, 1926) - Photo: Kim Cooper, Esotouric
Final score:
3points
#127
Salt Lake City Public Library, Salt Lake City, Utah, Usa
Final score:
3points
#130
Boston Public Library
Final score:
2points
#132
Seattle, Washington ,central Library
Final score:
2points
#136
Carolina Rediviva, The Library Of Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
Final score:
2points
#140
Kaohsiung Main Public Library , Kaohsiung , Taiwan
Final score:
1point
#141
Biblioteca Palafoxiana, Declarada Memoria Del Mundo Por La Unesco, Puebla, México
Final score:
1point
#145
Library At Alexandria
Final score:
0points
Judith Knothe 4 years ago
Reminds me of Frank Lloyd Wrights design for the Johnson Wax building.
#149
Seattle Public Library, Main Library
Final score:
0points
#150
El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Capital Federal, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Final score:
0points
#153
City Centre Library, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Final score:
0points
ManricoMetiong 9 years ago
Manrico Metiong in coski1 better schedule gorlitz write in UC Berkeley, Uottawa in Canada Encyclopedia Books METIONG'S my father with mother is uncle and auntie family home house office folder paper send m.metiong. Send
#154
Boston Public Library, Boston, Ma
Final score:
-1point
Add New Image
What do you think ?
SandraAnderson 9 years ago
Amazing libraries! Why the library in my city doesn't look like that. http://goo.gl/uoY3bd
VincentJay 9 years ago
Yes, I noticed that, too. I wonder what that tells us about how each culture views libraries and learning.
Load More Replies...
EduardRijborz 9 years ago
Incredible to see all these statements of granduer in architecture ,that hold the knowledge of the world
AlejandraMolanoTriviño 9 years ago
Sadly most of those beauties look so lonely and desolated...
MichelangeloDeFaveriTron 9 years ago
Full of peaple the library in Bejing!!
Load More Replies...
Judith Berkowitz 4 years ago
To: Lina D., Bored Panda staff Re: 162 Of The Most Majestic Libraries In The World Great photos and libraries, however the list and page should really be curated. In library-ese it’s called “weeding the collection.” For example, I noticed that there are multiple - perhaps ten - entries for the Boston Public Library in this list. I’m not saying that the photos and comments for these many records should be eliminated, because the pics from the various records can all be added to one single entry. I could do this, but I’m really not sure if there is a way that Bored Panda would let me. - Judy Berkowitz
Perry Karavello 4 years ago
You sure you don't want to make it an even #160 by mentioning The Boston Public Library an additional 6 times?
Tariq Niazi 4 years ago
I am amazed.... I have np words to express about my feelings of this wonderful work, collecting knowledge proliferating hubs at one place, and the architecture, fabulous is an understatement.
Kenneth Sooley 7 years ago
You forgot ours... Library of Parliament, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. parllibrar...a62828.jpg 
RogerSrouji 8 years ago
I think u have to add the National Library of the Parliament of Canada-Youth connection. " https://www.facebook.com/PARLyouth/?hc_location=ufi "
captaingrumpy 9 years ago
What will the Caliphate do to these beautiful buildings when they take over Europe.???? It worries me for they will succeed by politics and not force.
Anne-MarieClarkin 9 years ago
I'd love to visit them all!-but I'd start reading in the first.........xx
ManricoMetiong 9 years ago
Manrico Metiong in coski1 better schedule gorlitz write in UC Berkeley, Uottawa in Canada Encyclopedia Books METIONG'S my father with mother is uncle and auntie family home house office in libertad antique in Facebook works save photos on folder paper send PHD hp m.metiong. Send
LynneMahar 9 years ago
Can I nominate an email for the highest honors? For a real breathtaking moment: see Dangerous Beauty when she shows her daughter a library.
FrancisArchibald 9 years ago
I had approximately 700 books in my library at home. I was so proud. Made my own bookcases. Looking at these libraries I feel OHhhHHHHHHHHHh
DavidSarasin 9 years ago
https://www.google.ch/search?q=bibliothek+st.gallen&client=firefox-a&hs=mwn&rls=org.mozilla:de:official&channel=sb&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X
Kamel Sid Ahmed 9 years ago
Fantastic beautiful shots Would have liked to see Alexandria Library included
KamelSidAhmed 9 years ago
Extraordinary fantastic shots Would have liked to see the Alexandria Library included
DerekBirch 9 years ago
you need to add the Parliamentary Library in Ottawa Canada, and the legal library at Osgoode Hall in Toronto Ontario, Canada
Nelson Agurto 9 years ago
exellent.. and imagine that 'thousands of stories.. relates. and real hits ..from normal people.. national patrimony c:
MichaelOlson 9 years ago
Magnificent palaces and cathedrals to house knowledge. This is humanity at its best and most amazing.
MargaretKeller-Urban 9 years ago
I nominate themagnificent library at Melk Abbey, Austria. A boat trip from Vienna down the Danube http://www.hannaharendtcenter.org/?p=4579
KimberlyLeegstra 9 years ago
I will be sure to put libraries on my visting lists when I travel, I see museums are not the only place to go! Thanks!
Vicki Newton 9 years ago
The UNESCO World Heritage listed library of St Gallen is the oldest in Switzerland, and one of the oldest in the world. It's stunning.
JamesNorman 9 years ago
William Brown (Central) Library and Museum, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK. A stunning building with 'Classical Revival' architectural history.
MichalineRezler-Morrison 9 years ago
I just want to go to any of these lovely repositories of knowledge and read for days! Lovely buildings, all, the old and the new!
lesleymatt 9 years ago
Can I nominate the Library at The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn, London? https://flick.kr/p/dp6D4X Matt (@lesleymatt, Twitter)
lesleymatt 9 years ago
Hmm - let me try that link again! https://flic.kr/p/dp6D4X
Load More Replies... 9 years ago
These are just so beautiful. I would lose myself in a book in there instead of on my sofa.
BarbaraCail 9 years ago
A magnificent visual reference aggregating mankind's fabulous intellectual contributions toward civilisation. The architecture honours this.
SandraAnderson 9 years ago
Amazing libraries! Why the library in my city doesn't look like that. http://goo.gl/uoY3bd
VincentJay 9 years ago
Yes, I noticed that, too. I wonder what that tells us about how each culture views libraries and learning.
Load More Replies... EduardRijborz 9 years ago
Incredible to see all these statements of granduer in architecture ,that hold the knowledge of the world
AlejandraMolanoTriviño 9 years ago
Sadly most of those beauties look so lonely and desolated...
MichelangeloDeFaveriTron 9 years ago
Full of peaple the library in Bejing!!
Load More Replies... Judith Berkowitz 4 years ago
To: Lina D., Bored Panda staff Re: 162 Of The Most Majestic Libraries In The World Great photos and libraries, however the list and page should really be curated. In library-ese it’s called “weeding the collection.” For example, I noticed that there are multiple - perhaps ten - entries for the Boston Public Library in this list. I’m not saying that the photos and comments for these many records should be eliminated, because the pics from the various records can all be added to one single entry. I could do this, but I’m really not sure if there is a way that Bored Panda would let me. - Judy Berkowitz
Perry Karavello 4 years ago
You sure you don't want to make it an even #160 by mentioning The Boston Public Library an additional 6 times?
Tariq Niazi 4 years ago
I am amazed.... I have np words to express about my feelings of this wonderful work, collecting knowledge proliferating hubs at one place, and the architecture, fabulous is an understatement.
Kenneth Sooley 7 years ago
You forgot ours... Library of Parliament, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. parllibrar...a62828.jpg
RogerSrouji 8 years ago
I think u have to add the National Library of the Parliament of Canada-Youth connection. " https://www.facebook.com/PARLyouth/?hc_location=ufi "
captaingrumpy 9 years ago
What will the Caliphate do to these beautiful buildings when they take over Europe.???? It worries me for they will succeed by politics and not force.
Anne-MarieClarkin 9 years ago
I'd love to visit them all!-but I'd start reading in the first.........xx
ManricoMetiong 9 years ago
Manrico Metiong in coski1 better schedule gorlitz write in UC Berkeley, Uottawa in Canada Encyclopedia Books METIONG'S my father with mother is uncle and auntie family home house office in libertad antique in Facebook works save photos on folder paper send PHD hp m.metiong. Send
LynneMahar 9 years ago
Can I nominate an email for the highest honors? For a real breathtaking moment: see Dangerous Beauty when she shows her daughter a library.
FrancisArchibald 9 years ago
I had approximately 700 books in my library at home. I was so proud. Made my own bookcases. Looking at these libraries I feel OHhhHHHHHHHHHh
DavidSarasin 9 years ago
https://www.google.ch/search?q=bibliothek+st.gallen&client=firefox-a&hs=mwn&rls=org.mozilla:de:official&channel=sb&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X
Kamel Sid Ahmed 9 years ago
Fantastic beautiful shots Would have liked to see Alexandria Library included
KamelSidAhmed 9 years ago
Extraordinary fantastic shots Would have liked to see the Alexandria Library included
DerekBirch 9 years ago
you need to add the Parliamentary Library in Ottawa Canada, and the legal library at Osgoode Hall in Toronto Ontario, Canada
Nelson Agurto 9 years ago
exellent.. and imagine that 'thousands of stories.. relates. and real hits ..from normal people.. national patrimony c:
MichaelOlson 9 years ago
Magnificent palaces and cathedrals to house knowledge. This is humanity at its best and most amazing.
MargaretKeller-Urban 9 years ago
I nominate themagnificent library at Melk Abbey, Austria. A boat trip from Vienna down the Danube http://www.hannaharendtcenter.org/?p=4579
KimberlyLeegstra 9 years ago
I will be sure to put libraries on my visting lists when I travel, I see museums are not the only place to go! Thanks!
Vicki Newton 9 years ago
The UNESCO World Heritage listed library of St Gallen is the oldest in Switzerland, and one of the oldest in the world. It's stunning.
JamesNorman 9 years ago
William Brown (Central) Library and Museum, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK. A stunning building with 'Classical Revival' architectural history.
MichalineRezler-Morrison 9 years ago
I just want to go to any of these lovely repositories of knowledge and read for days! Lovely buildings, all, the old and the new!
lesleymatt 9 years ago
Can I nominate the Library at The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn, London? https://flick.kr/p/dp6D4X Matt (@lesleymatt, Twitter)
lesleymatt 9 years ago
Hmm - let me try that link again! https://flic.kr/p/dp6D4X
Load More Replies... 9 years ago
These are just so beautiful. I would lose myself in a book in there instead of on my sofa.
BarbaraCail 9 years ago
A magnificent visual reference aggregating mankind's fabulous intellectual contributions toward civilisation. The architecture honours this.
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