The Library of Parliament, Canada.
Canadians might recognize this building from the back of our $10.00 bill. Completed in 1876, this Gothic building holds 600,000 books and is the only part of the original parliament HQ to have survived a massive fire in 1916.
Frederick Ferris Thompson Memorial Library -Vassar College, USA.
This library is another Gothic style building, that holds nearly one million books. It was opened in 1865.
Harold Washington Library, USA.
This library has a classic feel with the red brick exterior blended with a sweet modern twist in the form of a glass roof and aluminum adornments.
Palafoxiana Library, Mexico.
This is the first ever public library in Mexico. It was opened way back in 1646! In fact, it is often argued that this may be the first ever public library in all of the Americas.
Beinecke Rare Book Library- Yale University, USA.
This library was built specifically to hold rare books and manuscripts, hence the lack of windows. However dull the outside may seem, the inside is a sight to see. The Beinecke library is in fact the worlds largest building used to protect rare books.
Library of Congress, USA.
The Library of Congress is indeed one of the most famous libraries in North America. It was completed in 1897 by John L. Smithmeyer and Paul J. Pelz. The details and intricate designs on the inside are the result of a variety of classically trained American artists.
Stephen A. Schwarzman Library, USA.
Better known as the New York Public Library, this building was completed in 1911. Complete with marble walls, grand chandeliers and wooden shelves, there is a true vintage atmosphere to fill your brain with some knowledge.
Central Library of Vancouver, Canada.
Completed in 1995, this massive library occupies an entire city block in downtown Vancouver. The design was inspired directly by the Colosseum of Rome. Holding over a million reference materials, the central library also has several shops, a bar, office buildings, and a rooftop garden.
Jay Walker’s Private Library, USA.
Jay Walker has this amazing library situated in his Connecticut mansion. Designed with M.C Escher’s paradoxical space style in mind, this place has over 50,000 books and was even named as “The most amazing library in the world” by WIRED Magazine. The red carpeted stairs and printed glass designs add a great touch to the overall atmosphere.
José Vasconcelos Library, Mexico
This incredible glass structure is approximately 409,000 square feet. Situated just outside of the main library is a botanical garden, ensuring that the hustle and bustle of the city streets don’t interfere with the sweet silence of the library. It houses over 500,000 books and has 5 floors.
Take some time to check out your local library, you might be walking into some history!
Via Mentalfloss
