The 15 Coolest Libraries in the World

Libraries have always played an integral part in society—from fountains of knowledge to places where communities can gather. Whether providing academic texts for scholars or picture books for children, libraries have enriched generations. So it’s little wonder that they’ve inspired so many architects over the centuries to create some of the most remarkable and beautiful places, not for some monarch or royalty, but for the public—a place to expand the mind and delight in beauty at the same time. And the coolest, most breathtaking of all these libraries await just a hop, a skip, and a plane ride around the world.

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15 Jaw-Dropping Libraries That Take “Cool” to the Next Level
Travel Far and Away to the Coolest Libraries in the World with Next Vacay

15 Jaw-Dropping Libraries That Take “Cool” to the Next Level

No matter the season, these libraries stand to welcome visitors with open arms in places that hold as much knowledge as they do beauty. So, if you’re ready to grab a book, get comfortable, and enjoy the view, here are the 15 coolest libraries in the world to do it.

George Peabody Library – Baltimore, Maryland, United States

The George Peabody Library is a must-see when visiting Baltimore. As one of the most beautiful libraries in the US, it’s arguably one of the coolest places in the city to wile away an hour or several. The first floor is open to the public and offers beautiful views of the library’s floors. The five tiers of ornamental cast-iron balconies and 300,000 volumes make for stunning pictures. But perhaps one of the best parts of the libraries is its lore. Rumor is that the George Peabody Library inspired the Beast’s gift to Belle in Beauty and the Beast. It’s little wonder that the library is a beloved wedding venue for fairytale and book lovers alike.

Library of Strahov Monastery – Prague, Czech Republic

Among Prague’s old castles and gothic spires, a library, let alone one inside a monastery, may not hold much intrigue—until you delve deeper. While its location inside a monastery makes it one of the coolest libraries in the world, the Baroque Theological Hall makes this library one of the most beautiful. Stunning architecture, carved bookshelves with gilded detailing, and beautiful ceiling frescoes make it one-of-a-kind. If you want to see the striking room in all its splendor, book a private tour through email—otherwise, you’ll only be able to view it from the door.

Old Library of Trinity College – Dublin, Ireland

Lovers of literature and architecture flock to the Old Library of Trinity College. The main chamber, the Long Room, is 213 feet long and perfect for snapping pictures of this cool library. Its dark wood arches create a stunning, barrel-like ceiling that immediately draws the eye. And it’s not just the visuals that make this library spectacular. The Old Library is home to the Book of Kells, an illuminated gospel manuscript around 1,200 years old. It also houses the Brain Boru harp, one of three surviving medieval Gaelic harps.

National Library of Latvia – Riga, Latvia

The National Library of Latvia resides in a city that is over 800 years old, yet it’s the library’s modernity that makes it stand out. But this modern facade is deceptive, as it actually pays homage to the country’s folklore. Its glass-roofed structure is a subtle nod to the Latvian mythology about the Castle of Light and the Glass Mountain. It’s certainly worth a stop to see this “glass mountain” and explore its catalog of books in person when visiting Latvia.

Tama Art University Library – Hachioji, Japan

The Tama Art University is easily one of the coolest libraries in the world. Because of the library’s location on a slope, the architect, Ito Toyo, set out to incorporate nature into his design. The result is sweeping concrete arches of varying sizes that create soft, ambiguous spaces. Walking through the library is much like walking through a cave, though far less dark and moody, thanks to the high glass arches allowing in plenty of light and the view of a green garden outside the library windows. This curious blend of modern yet traditional, futuristic yet naturalistic, and tranquil yet elegant draws visitors in and invites them to flow through the building’s natural progressions or take a seat and settle into the library’s comforting atmosphere.

Admont Monastery Library – Admont, Austria

The Admont Monastery Library is considered the largest monastic library hall in the world. It’s also one of the world’s most beautiful libraries. The architecture is a late baroque-style, with gorgeous ceiling frescoes depicting the phases of human knowledge. But the beauty isn’t just above; it’s below, too. Carved from limewood and accented in gold, the opulent bookshelves stretch from floor to ceiling, housing roughly 70,000 books. This library is straight from the pages of a fairytale storybook. As such, it’s best seen in person to appreciate its magic.

Piccolomini Library – Siena, Italy

The Piccolomini Library is connected to the Opera Duomo Siena and is not to be missed when in Siena, Italy. This is one of the coolest libraries thanks to its treasure trove of history. Glass cases contain centuries-old manuscripts with beautiful artwork, medieval calligraphy, and even sheet music. The Roman sculpture of the Three Graces stands at the end of the hall. Above are the exquisite, 10-paneled frescoes depicting Pope Pius II’s life. The cardinal who commissioned it wanted them to be as bright and ornate as they could be, and indeed, they are. The renderings are amazing; each person featured—from popes to emperors to doges—all have heavy detailing that makes their clothing distinct, beautiful, and, most of all, eye-catching.

Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Royal certainly fits the description of this next library, which easily counts itself among the coolest libraries in the world. Its dark wood accents, stained glass windows, and vibrant blue ceilings make it an opulent beauty fit for nothing short of royalty. Jewel-toned book spines create a rainbow of color in the gothic fantasy that is the Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves soar three stories high, their gilded details prompting the eye higher to the cast-iron skylight and chandelier that act as the room’s dazzling centerpieces. With over 350,000 volumes, it’s home to the largest collection of Portuguese works outside of Portugal. And because this library is free and open to the public, you can settle in for a few hours of reading, studying, and soaking in the magic of this enchanted book haven.

Beitou Public Library – Taipei City, Taiwan

The Beitou Public Library is one of the coolest libraries in the world and certainly one of the greenest. The first green library in Taiwan, its ecological design is a feat. Solar panels power the library while the roof’s slope collects rainwater that flushes the lavatory toilets and waters plants. In addition, the building’s curved wooden balcony helps reduce heat by blocking some of the sun’s rays. But the stunning ecological design isn’t the only draw here. Between the wooden structure, glass windows, and jutting balconies overlooking the lush greenery, this library is essentially a large treehouse for book lovers.

Gladstone Library – Wales, UK

Nestled in the Welsh village of Hawarden lies a library unlike any other in the UK—literally. The Gladstone Library sets itself apart because it doesn’t just offer books but beds and board, too! With cozy beds steps away from reading rooms, the Gladstone Library is a relaxing retreat for readers. The bedrooms are modestly furnished and include a writing desk, a vintage radio, and a kettle for tea. Of course, the reading rooms are the biggest draw, with dark wood shelves brimming with books enticing visitors to grab one and curl up by the windows to read. While you’ll come for the library, don’t miss out on the lovely village nearby, with its cake shops, boutique stores, and charming pubs.

Bodleian Library – England, UK

The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe. The look of its castle-fortress facade has made it into an iconic library, and that’s before even taking in the library itself. You can find beautiful libraries all over the world, but what makes this one so special is its history. This library has served as a study spot for literary greats, including Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien. The circular library has also been featured in movies like The Golden Compass (2007) and Mary Queen of Scotts (2018). With so much history inside its walls, it’s worth taking a tour of this cultural destination to delve deeper than the surface and discover its rich background.

Vancouver Public Library – Vancouver, Canada

Located in bustling downtown Vancouver, the Vancouver Public Library might conjure images of the past, and with good reason, as the library is modeled after the Roman Colosseum. That’s right, the Colosseum. This beautiful architecture on the exterior and interior has drawn in visitors for years. The top floor of the library has amazing views, while a rooftop garden offers fresh air and the perfect place to sit back and enjoy a good book amid the bustling urban setting.

Stuttgart City Library – Stuttgart, Germany

The Stuttgart City Library is a beautiful library in Germany that looks like a modern work of art. But even this library of the modern era pays homage to the past. From the outside, the building appears as a perfect cube, but inside, the main room is an upside-down pyramid. The library’s staircases traverse nine stories that form crisp lines inside the library, reminiscent of a maze. And the interior’s stark white color only adds to the feeling. Thankfully, the books lining the shelves add a fabulous pop of color that seals the visual creativity of this magical space.

Biblioteca Vasconcelos – Mexico City, Mexico

The Biblioteca Vasconcelos seems more likely to be found in a sci-fi film like Interstellar than in a modern city, but you don’t have to travel off-world to see this beautiful library, just Mexico City. Talented architects Alberto Kalach and Juan Palomar created a matrix of suspended shelves with see-through walls and scaffold-like shelving that comes together to create an astounding picture. The beauty of the library doesn’t stop there. On top of the many volumes it holds, it also functions as a gallery where Mexican artists can put their work on display. The design and added decor of stunning art and sculptures come together to make Biblioteca Vasconcelos one of the coolest libraries in the world.

Seikei University Library – Musashino, Japan

Though its exterior appears plain, Seikei University Library’s interior is anything but. The library’s large glass front wall offers a peek inside, where you can glimpse what appear to be bulbous shapes jutting up into the air. These free-standing pods look like something straight out of a Sci-Fi movie, with glass tops that let you peer at the curiosities inside. But despite their strange, otherworldly appearance, the pods remain rather mundane in use. Large enough to hold multiple people, they’re used for intensive study and group research. But from the ground or at eye-level, they’re truly a sight to see and definitely worth an in-person look when visiting Tokyo.

Library of Congress – Washington, DC, United States

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with over 160 million items. The collection takes up almost 800 miles of shelf space. As if the collection wasn’t enough to take one’s breath away, the interior architecture is something to behold, with intricate arches, patterns, and sculptures adorning the library. With exhibitions held throughout the year, any time is a great time to drop by and explore this stunning tribute to art and history in Washington, DC.

Travel Far and Away to the Coolest Libraries in the World with Next Vacay

Want to visit the coolest libraries in the world? Put them within reach with Next Vacay. Low airfare deals to cities all around the globe let you travel to the world’s coolest libraries. From marveling at the gothic allure of the Royal Portuguese Reading Room to stepping into a classic European fairytale at the Admont Monastery Library—Next Vacay can take you from dreaming to doing in a few simple clicks. So if you’re ready to make booking easier—and only stress about which book you’ll take on vacation—sign up today and get ready to travel the world with Next Vacay.

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