A Bibliophile's Dream: The Most Inspiring Libraries Around the World
There are hundreds of thousands of libraries around the globe. Some are ancient architectural marvels with ceilings adorned with frescos and entrances guarded by marble statues, while others possess quite different but nonetheless impressive characteristics. Several stand out amongst the rest though for their continual ability to truly inspire us. These are some of those libraries.
University of Al-Qarawiyyin Library, Fez, Morocco
The UniAl-Qarawiyyin Library in Fez, Morocco is the world’s oldest library. It was originally founded by Fatima al-Fihri all the way back in 859 and for over 1,000 years was a mysterious place to the local residents of Fez because they were not permitted to enter. However, the Al-Qarawiyyin Library recently underwent a major renovation and opened its doors to the public in 2017. This exquisite library is home to over 4,000 rare and ancient manuscripts, ornate tile work, and traditional Moroccan architecture.
Taipei Public Library, Taiwan
1. Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Egypt
Library
2. The National Library of the Czech Republic
Library
3. Library of Birmingham, England
Building, Concert Hall
4. Biblioteca Joanina, Portugal
Building, Library, University
Villanueva Public Library, Colombia
The creation and construction of the Villanueva Public Library in Colombia is truly inspiring in and of itself. Four architects based in Bogotá designed the 16,000 square foot library with the helping hands of ex-Guerillas from the local community who are part of a rehabilitation program. The library was built using locally-sourced river rock, which covers the facade, and sustainably-sourced pine. Villanueva also contains a children’s library, a theater, and an outdoor public space. Inside and out, Villanueva is an intricate masterpiece built with the simplest materials.
UNAM Central Library, Mexico
The UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico) Central Library in Mexico City was opened in 1956. The library is home to around 400,000 books. What makes this library quite extraordinary is its exterior though. The ten-story building is covered in a mosaic mural made from colored stones collected throughout Mexico by architect and painter Juan O’Gorman. The mosaic tells a story of Mexico’s history.
UNAM, Circuito Interior, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyocacan, Mexico +52-55-5622-1625
5. Central Library of Vancouver, Canada
Library
Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Connecticut
The Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut is one of the largest rare book repositories in the world. A six-story glassed in case takes the center stage of this modern marble building. It opened in 1963 and is the leading devotee to the preservation of rare books, manuscripts, maps, historic tracts, and pamphlets. It is also home to the mysterious Voynich Manuscript. This inspiring library attracts scholars and researchers from around the world.
6. New York Public Library, New York
Building, Library
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