There are countless libraries around the world and today we are going to highlight five. These and other libraries were featured in Veranda as part of a list of 25 of the most beautiful libraries. We share them with you to help you visualize your books, written by you, waiting on one or more of these shelves. Can you imagine knowing that your books are in libraries worldwide? Join us as we explore five amazing libraries.
Biblioteca do Convento de Marfa in Marfa, Portugal
It was built in 1771 by royal court architect Manuel Caetano de Sousa to be used as a museum. In 1745, the Pope granted the royal commission permission to house “forbidden books,” which remain a part of the 35,000 leather-bound collection.
National Library of China in Beijing, China
Founded in 1909 by the government of the Qing dynasty, the library has over 37 million items including the largest array of Chinese literature in the world. People travel from across the country to visit the three different structures of the library. The newest addition, the North Area, is divide into two levels: the lower holding the geometric reading room and reference library signifying the old, and the upper, housing the digital library representing the future and evolving technology.
The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of the New York Public Library
In 1895, in a desire to compete with London and Paris, the New York Public Library was built. It was designed by Carrère and Hastings. There are two marble lions that stand guard at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, watching visitors as they come and go from the research library on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street. The historic building contains an estimated 15 million items from medieval manuscripts and ancient Japanese scrolls to contemporary novels and comic books.
Abbey Library of St. Gall in St. Gallen, Switzerland
Looking at early architectural plans that depict a library attached to the main church of the Abbey of Saint Gall, it is believed that the collection dates back to around 820 CE. As the abbey’s catalogue of science writings and manuscripts grew, the collection moved to its lavishly decorated Baroque-style hall by Peter Thumb in the mid-18th century. Nearly 160,00 volumes make up the intricately carved-wood shelves, all of which are available for public use.
Starfield Library in Seoul, South Korea
The Starfield Library sits inside the world’s largest underground shopping mall, and houses nearly 50,000 books and magazines spanning genres. Lights from the two-story athenaeum cause the space to glow throughout the day and welcome in visitors to relax on the plush sofas. Each month, the library hosts a range of events from author lectures to art exhibitions.
Here’s to celebrating the day when one of your books makes its debut appearance in a public library!
—D.O.M.E. Life Publishing
D.O.M.E. Life Insights 