Whether home or traveling, I love to be in the company of books and libraries. Libraries today aren’t only about housing books, they are the embodiment of books – they help us travel around the world and through time, learn new things, and meet new people. Libraries offer comfort, education, entertainment, escape, and connection. They’re a good place to get inspired, warm up on a cold day, and come in from the rain, which is how I discovered the library in Juneau, Alaska. Don’t forget the critical role librarians and staff play. Ask them questions and engage with them. They are a rich source of knowledge and know-how on everything from books, of course, to technology, local history, culture, and local heroes.
National Library Week is April 3 – 9, 2022. If you’re looking for a good read, architecture to inspire you, or a safe place for comfort and community, any of these 30 libraries are a great place to be.
Some of the Biggest and Most Beautiful Libraries in the U.S.
- New York Public Library
- The Geisel Library San Diego
- Seattle Public Library-Central Library
- Library of Congress in Washington D.C.
- Boston Public Library
- The Fisher Fine Arts Library in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Phillips Exeter Academy Library in Exeter, New Hampshire
- Arabian Library in Scottsdale, Arizona
- Billings Public Library in Billings, Montana
- Harold Washington Library Center in Chicago
Libraries Around the World with Fascinating Architecture and Collections
- Bibliothèque Méjanes in France
- Library of El Escorial Monastery in Spain
- Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart in Germany
- Tianjin Binhai Library in China
- Vatican Library
- Rijksmuseum Library in The Netherlands
- Oxford University Library
- Trinity College Library in Ireland
- National Library of St. Mark’s – Venice
- Library of Parliament in Ottawa, Canada
Local Libraries – These Are Some of My Favorite
What’s your favorite library?If you liked Places to Go for Connection and Community, you may also enjoy:
5 Ways to Re-Engage in the World
Small Talk Is Anything but Small
5 Mindful Moments for a Better Day
