As the physical storehouse of our collective knowledge, libraries across the globe boast some of the best architectural designs. All the beautiful libraries featured on this list offer brilliant and magical settings, wherein people can experience the pleasures of the written word.
1. Ginza Tsutaya Books in Tokyo, Japan
Ginza Tsutaya Books, in the heart of Tokyo's busy Ginza district, is a crossroads for Japanese art and culture. Dubbed the "world's best art bookstore”, it houses a selection of over 60,000 art books from across the world. There is also a gallery with sparkling glass cases displaying artworks by Japanese and foreign artists. Fellow book enthusiasts can enjoy the environment of natural light while reading thanks to the store's beautiful skylight. The moderate beige tones of the wooden benches and bookcases lend a vintage feel to this space.
2. Richard Booth’s Bookshop in Hereford, England
If you're a movie buff who also enjoys reading, this bookshop is just the perfect spot for you! As the largest bookstore in Hay-On-Wye, Hereford, it spans three storeys and is crammed with volumes from every genre imaginable, making it a book lover's dream. What makes it even more appealing is that this bookstore has its own theatre where you can see everything from recent blockbusters to musicals and classic flicks.
3. Livraria Lello in Porto, Portugal
Livraria Lello, crowned the world's most beautiful bookstore by CNN, more than lives up to its reputation. As the oldest bookshop in Porto, Portugal, this establishment was founded in 1906 and carries thousands of books in a variety of categories. What distinguishes it from its counterparts, however, is the shop's mystical and gothic design. An opulent crimson double helix staircase welcomes you as you enter the store and leads to the second storey.
4. BookXcess Gurney Paragon in Penang, Malaysia
BookXcess, a bookshop in George Town, Penang, occupies 2,415 square metres in area. In Southeast Asia, this bookshop is known as the home to the region's tallest and longest bookshelf, standing a whopping three stories high. This bookshop, often known as The House of a Million Stories, also has augmented reality (AR) books, which allow you to fully immerse in different storylines, adding another unique aspect to this bookstore. There’s also a café where customers may relax with a cup of coffee and read their purchased books.
5. The Ceilidh Place in Ullapool, Scotland
Prepare to be awestruck when you enter this amazing bookstore which doubles as a hotel. Readers can explore a wide selection of books on stylish black bookshelves. Reading places are spread around the bookstore as well. In the hotel, each room has a tiny library. Readers can unwind in this peaceful setting with dim lighting, a cosy interior and a lovely outdoor view.
6. El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires, Argentina
A trip to Buenos Aires' El Ateneo Grand Splendid will make you feel like you’re whisked into the story of The Beauty and the Beast. Built in 1919, the bookshop was formerly a theatre. The stunning Beaux-Arts décor, including the stage and elegant balcony, has been meticulously preserved to the present day.
7. El Pendulo in Mexico City, Mexico
El Pendulo is a visual treat for the senses. When you walk through the door, you'll be greeted by a fantasy kingdom where trees hang over bookshelves and plants dot the landscape, and even the railings resemble vines. Enjoy a coffee in the café beneath the thick trees and check out the Polanco branch, where a striking curving staircase leads up to a mezzanine lined wall-to-wall with books. Simply stunning!
