The World’s Most Beautiful Libraries

“Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation.” -Walter Cronkite

I don’t know of an author who doesn’t love libraries. Researching online, while convenient, doesn’t have the same appeal or ambience as a stroll between towering bookshelves. Okay, I admit it, my local library does not have towering bookshelves, but overall it’s a nice place to visit.

In the past, money must have poured in for the building of libraries. I say this after viewing the photos on Curious Expeditions. This site has what looks to be close to 100 fascinating photos of the world’s most beautiful libraries.

Originally built in the 1100s, the library at the Strahov Monestary in Prague now houses over 200,000 books and is divided into the Theological Hall and Philosophical Hall. Both are equally breathtaking.

I wouldn’t call the photo of the Hereford Cathedral Chained Library, Hereford, England, beautiful, but the chains hanging from the shelves make it interesting looking. Rare books were once kept chained to the bookshelf to prevent stealing, which I find rather ironic as the library is in a church.

The building, furniture, and much of the original collection at the Library of St. Walburga, Zutphen, Netherland, has been preserved from the 16th century.

I intended to select what I thought was the most beautiful library, but I couldn’t do it. Perhaps I need to see them in person to decide. If flying had not been turned into such an unpleasant experience, I might consider planning a library tour vacation. But, for now the photos will have to do.

Have you visited a library in this collection or visited one you think should be included?

Thanks for stopping by.

Tags: Cronkite, Curious Expeditions, libraries, Strahov Monestary, Hereford Cathedral, Library of St. Walburga,