15 Incredible Libraries Around the World

These pillars of higher learning are also home to some of the world’s most incredible architecture. Below is a small collection of stunning libraries around the world. From the historical to the modern, these central of knowledge and learning also preserve the history and culture of their respective periods. Personally, I would find it hard to concentrate in some of these places, they are too beautiful for the eye not to wander. More images after the break...

1. University Club Library - New York City, United StatesPhotograph by Peter Bond

Photograph by Peter Bond

2. Canadian Library of Parliament - Ottawa, Canada

Photograph by James Gillard

Photograph by James Gillard

3. Yale University’s Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library - New Haven, Connecticut

Photograph by Lauren Manning

Photograph by KAALpurush

4. Iowa State Capital Law Library - United States

Photograph by Tani Livengood

5. Suzzalo Library at the University of Washington - Seattle, Washington

Photograph by Sam

Photograph by Sam

6. Admont Abbey Library - Austria

Photograph by Ognipensierovo

7. State Library - Victoria, AustraliaPhotograph by Waltonics

8. Library at El Real Monasterio de El Escorial - Madrid, Spain

Photograph by Jose Maria Cuellar

9. José Vasconcelos Library - Mexico City, Mexico14

Photograph by Pedro Vasquez Colmenares

Photograph by Aurelio Asiain

10. Real Gabinete Português de Leitura - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Photograph by Ruy Barbosa Pinto

11. National Library of Finland - Helsinki, Finland

Photograph by Marj-Liisa

12. Mitchell Library - Sydney, Australia

Photograph by Christopher Chan

13. Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library at University of Toronto - Toronto, Canada

Photograph by Fadi J

Photograph by Danielle King

15. Strahov Theological Hall - Prague, Czech Republic

Photograph by Rafael Ferreira

Moldova National Library -

Photograph by Daniel Zollinger