Are you the type of person who gets excited by the idea of seeing one of the original Gutenberg Bibles? Do you have to limit the number of books you purchase when you travel, because of those pesky suitcase weight limits? Do you race to the section of the museums that house the old literary tomes and press up against the glass display cases to see the ancient texts?

Well then have we got something for you, book-loving travelers! To satiate your appetite for international literature and letters, we’ve found some awe-inspiring spots, all filled with that faintly fusty smell of books, and countless other treasures.

Here are eight very cool international libraries to add to your bibliophile bucket list.

Bibliothèque Nationale de France — Paris, France

France’s National Library contains 14 million books and printed documents, manuscripts, prints, photographs, maps and plans, scores, coins, medals, sound documents, video and multimedia documents, scenery elements, and more. These items hail from many different intellectual, artistic, and scientific disciplines. Approximately 150,000 documents are added to the already robust collection each year. The original library consisted of luxurious buildings on the Rue de Richelieu in Paris that date back to the mid-1800s. In 1988, striking contemporary buildings were added to the library to house the rapidly growing collection.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina — Alexandria, Egypt

Approximately 2,000 years ago, the original Library of Alexandria was destroyed. Nobody knows exactly how or why this happened, and there are no remains of this legendary edifice. The current Bibliotheca Alexandrina was built in 2002 in Egypt to honor the original. Not only does it house a trilingual (Arabic, French, and English) collection of impressive proportions, the library also hosts events to foster intellectual growth and community. The library is housed in a large, graceful structure designed by the Norwegian architectural firm, Snohetta.

Centrale Bibliotheek — Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam Central Library by daryl_mitchell is licensed under CC 2.0.

Not only is Centrale Bibliotheek the largest library in the Netherlands, it’s also one of the greenest libraries in the world. The 28,000 square meter structure was designed by Jo Ceonen, former state architect of the Netherlands. The building features an original lighting design that gives the effect of “a landscape with different zones,” as well as an efficient system for drawing in cold air from outside to cool the building. Add in a source heating system, rooftop solar panels, sustainable building materials, and a long-term energy storage system, and you’ve got one of the greenest buildings in Amsterdam.

Klementinum — Prague, Czech Republic

Image via Flickr CC BY 2.0 – BrunoDelzant

The Clementinum is a historic building complex in Prague that comprises the Mirror Chapel, Astronomical Tower, and Baroque Library. One of the most breathtaking libraries in the world, this Baroque treasure was founded in 1781. It houses a collection that includes Czech literature and resource books that span multiple centuries and disciplines, and even some of Mozart’s personal items.

Taipei Public Library — Taipei City, Taiwan

Located in the lush and beautiful Beitou Park, this branch of the Taipei Public Library system is as architecturally striking as it is energy efficient. The wood (from sustainable forests) and glass structure was the first building in Taiwan to receive a diamond rating — the highest EEWH rating possible — making it the greenest structure in the country. Not only does the building make use of photovoltaic cells to generate power, there’s also a system in place to collect rainwater to flush the toilets.

The Beinecke Library — New Haven, Connecticut

Separate from Yale University’s college library, which is what students primary use, the Beinecke Library houses Yale’s massive collection of rare books and literary archival material. In fact, this New Haven haven is one of the largest libraries dedicated to rare books and manuscripts in the world. The iconic building was designed by architect Gordon Bunshaft and opened in 1963. One of the more famous attractions for visitors to the Beinecke is its permanent display of a Gutenberg Bible — one of fewer than 50 still in existence.

Philologische Bibliothek — Berlin, Germany

Image via Wikimedia CC BY-SA 3.0 – torinberl

A Berlin architectural landmark, the Philological Library — designed by architect Norman Foster in the shape of a human brain — opened in 2005 and has already become the most recognizable part of Freie Universität Berlin, one of the most prominent universities in Germany. It houses the majority of the books for the school’s humanities departments, included literature and philosophy.

The Seattle Central Library — Seattle, Washington

Image via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0 – SounderBruce

The flagship of the Seattle Public Library system, this striking 11-story structure can reportedly hold close to 1.5 million books — there’s also an underground parking garage with capacity for 140+ cars. Thanks to its distinctive appearance, the library, which began architectural tours within a month of opening, has been included on the American Institute of Architects’ list of Americans’ 150 favorite structures in the United States.

FAQs:

Q: What are the operating hours for each library mentioned?
A: Operating hours vary per library. It’s recommended to visit their official websites for the most current schedule.

Q: Are guided tours available at these libraries?
A: Some of the libraries offer guided tours. It is best to check directly with each library’s visitor services for availability and booking procedures.

Q: Do these libraries charge an entrance fee?
A: Generally, libraries are free to enter, but some may charge fees for special exhibits or guided tours. Check individual library websites for details.

Q: Can visitors access the libraries’ digital collections remotely?
A: Many libraries provide remote access to parts of their digital collections. Visit their websites to explore available resources and access requirements.

Q: Are there any restrictions on photography inside these libraries?
A: Photography policies differ across libraries. It’s advisable to check the specific library’s rules on photography before visiting.

Q: Is Wi-Fi available for visitors in these libraries?
A: Most international libraries offer Wi-Fi, but terms and availability may vary. You might need to register or obtain a temporary login.

Q: Can visitors borrow books or is access limited to on-site use?
A: Access policies differ; generally, rare and special collections are restricted to on-site use. Some libraries offer borrowing privileges to local residents or members.

Know of a cool library that we missed? Let us know in the comments section.