Worldly Wisdom: Exploring the 8 Best Libraries Across the Globe

There’s something about libraries that draws people in: either it’s the immense amount of information and records held therein, or the possibility of finding your next great read within, or simply the fact that they’re a refuge of peace and quiet from the rest of our frantic lives.

We prefer to make them seem attractive for whatever reason, and there are several libraries across the world that go above and above in terms of architecture and stand out as some genuinely magnificent buildings. We’re looking at some of the best visuals to enjoy while reading your favorite literary classics.

#1 Starfield Library, Seoul, South Korea

The Seoul Starfield Library has a futuristic name and is housed in a futuristic setting: the world’s largest underground shopping mall. The COEX shopping mall is 144,000 square meters on a single basement floor, with the Starfield Library in the center. It’s a magnificent looking facility, with 50,000 volumes and 600 magazines available in a wide range of genres and topic matters. Much of the information in this section is available on iPad screens throughout the library. There is also an events center where conferences, lectures, and concerts are held. Oh, and it (along with the mall) is in the Gangnam District, which inspired the song.

#2 Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Paris, France

The Bibliothèque nationale de France, or The National Library of France, is a massive and magnificent structure, as one would expect from a national library. Charles V established it, and the first form of it was housed within the Louvre. It has now been relocated to Paris and has grown significantly over the years. It now consists of four main buildings, each of which is 22 floors tall and composed of glass. It houses over 41 million different things, including 15 million books. It also houses a great collection of artworks, including the famed gigantic globes of Louis XIV (the Sun King), which were once housed in the Louvre. If you’re in Paris and interested in French history, the Library is a must-see.

#3 The Stuttgart City Library, Stuttgart, Germany

The design of this library is highly minimalist and sharply defined, with many very straight edges and pure white surfaces. If you envision the white floors as clouds, it provides the illusion of a type of book heaven. If you’re feeling a little more edgy, it could be an extremely orderly library in a strange dystopian metropolis. Whatever your perspective, it’s undeniably appealing and pleasing to the sight. It was created to look futuristic, yet it also draws inspiration from the Roman Pantheon and Stanley Kubrick films. There’s a lot to consider when you peruse the library’s various books.

#4 The George Peabody Library, Baltimore, USA

The George Peabody Library, probably more than any other on this list, creates a sense of immensity. It is the major research library of Johns Hopkins University and is located in the city of Baltimore, Maryland. While the university is a private research institution, the library is available to the public, as George Peabody (a well-known Baltimore philanthropist) intended for it to be “for the free use of all persons who consult it.” Its lofty reaching floors undoubtedly make you feel small, and it houses over 300,000 volumes, the most of which are from the nineteenth century when it was created. Because of its excellent design, it’s been used as a movie location a few times, most notably in Sleepless in Seattle.

#5 Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Egypt

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is located in Alexandria, Egypt, and was established and meant to be a modern homage to the mythical Library of Alexandria, which is possibly the most famous and discussed library in history. While it is debated if there was a single ancient library of Alexandria and what happened to it, one thing is certain: the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a magnificent structure. It has ample shelf space for 8 million books, as well as galleries, permanent exhibitions, and even a planetarium. The entire property is brimming with collections and bits and pieces of recorded history, and it also appears to be a paradise from the exterior, with its big pool. It’s all supposed to evoke a sense of understanding and knowledge, and it succeeds admirably.

#6 The Library of Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland

This is another lovely structure that also serves as a legal deposit library, which means that publishers in Ireland are compelled to deposit a free copy of their works there. The Long Room, which stretches both horizontally and vertically, is the most spectacular place. It’s said to be the inspiration for the Jedi archives in the Star Wars films, but back on Earth, it’s just something to marvel at. The library also houses The Book of Kells, a valuable artifact from 800CE that is an illustrated rendition of the New Testament. A variant of Arnaldo Pomodoro’s Sphere Within Sphere, which can be found in a number of different locations across the world, can be found on the building’s exterior.

#7 The Biblioteca Vasconcelos, Mexico City, Mexico

This library, located in Mexico City’s central district, is dedicated to philosopher and former presidential candidate José Vasconcelos. With its glass walls and flooring, it nearly looks like a massive warehouse dedicated only to books. It has about 575,000 books, music, and other multimedia items, as well as a cinema room and a music room. The structure also houses a variety of artistic works, the most notable of which is Ballena by Gabriel Orozco, a giant whale sculpture. If the library alone isn’t enough for you, it’s surrounded by gorgeous gardens to explore. There’s a serious danger of getting lost for hours in this unusually dense library.

#8 The Maughan Library, London, UK

If you’d rather visit a library in London, why not stop by the Maughan Library? The Maughan is another stunning research library, this time for King’s College London. The building was once the headquarters of the Public Record Office and features a 19th-century Gothic design (the 19th century was certainly a good one for libraries). There are over 750,000 objects in here, so you will not get bored. The domed Round Reading Room within was likewise influenced by the one in the British Museum, and it has a welcoming sense to it. If you’re seeking for additional reading spaces in London, we also highlighted the Maughan Library in our best-hidden libraries in London guide.

Found something amazing? Spread the wonder and share it with your friends! 🥰