TOP 10 Libraries Around the World – Reading, for the sake of knowledge or enjoyment, or to explore the world of the human imagination, is one of those experiences that gives you a sense of emotional and spiritual richness quite different from economic or monetary well-being. In this sense, the act of creating a space that surrounds you with books is undoubtedly linked to the creation of a new, enriched sense of public values. Libraries have been the repositories of nations’ accumulated knowledge and the epicenters of their culture. More than being big buildings containing books, are important landmarks designed with impressive architecture and filled with symbolic art.
Below is a short of the best libraries in the world for me! I hope you enjoy!
1.Parque Biblioteca España, MEDELLÍN, COLOMBIA
In 2005, Colombian architect Giancarlo Mazzanti, whose firm is based in Bogotá, was awarded two public commissions by way of open competition, and has designed a pair of libraries, one in the neighborhood of La Ladera, the other the Parque Biblioteca España, whose striking, unorthodox form sits in stark contrast to the makeshift architecture around it in Santo Domingo Savio barrio.
Completed in 2007 at a total cost of about $4 million, Parque Biblioteca España, which looks out over the valley from its hillside perch among simple brick and stucco structures, has a profound presence and has caused quite a stir, which has spread far beyond the neighborhood.
Address: Cra 33B # 107A-100, Medellín, Antioquia, Colômbia
Mobile: +57 3857598
Public Transports: Santo Domingo Savio
2.UCSD GEISEL LIBRARY, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
The brainchild of architect William L. Pereira. Geisel was designed in the late 1960s, at the end of a decade that saw a wave of supposedly futuristic architecture sweep southern California. Spot Cool Stuff is impressed at how modern this 40-year old building still looks. The Geisel Library is on the campus of the University of California at San Diego and is open to non-students.
Being located so close Hollywood, it isn’t surprising that the Geisel has been the location of several movie and television shoots, Geisel Library has been featured in the cult movie Attack of the Killer Tomatoes and on television in such shows as Simon and Simon, Star Trek, and Mission Impossible.
Public Transports: Gilman Dr & Myers Dr
3.THE LOS ANGELES CENTRAL LIBRARY, CALIFORNIA
An in-depth look at the art found at the Library is quite a revealing one: It describes the occult philosophy of those in power. We will look at the Central Library’s history and the hidden meaning of its architecture.
The LA Central Library was designed by Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, a prominent architect who was recognized and hired by America’s most powerful people. His works include governmental and military buildings, churches, libraries and the private houses of politicians.
Address: 630 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Mobile: (213) 228-7000
Schedule: 10:00–20:00
Public Transports: 7th Street / Metro Center Station
4.SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY, WASHINGTON USA
The Seattle Public Library houses the library’s main collection of design books, audio visual materials and the technology to access and distribute information online. The building designed by Rem Koolhaas OMA, is divided into eight horizontal layers, each varying in size to fit its function. A structural steel and glass skin unifies the multifaceted form and defines the public spaces in-between.
Koolhaas sees the new library as a custodian of the book, a showcase for new information, a place for thought, discussion and reflection – a dynamic presence. The fact that the contents of a whole library can be stored on a single chip, or the fact that a single library can now store the digital content of all libraries, together represent potential rethinking: new forms of storage enable the space dedicated to real books to be contained; new forms of reading enhance the aura of the real book.
Address: 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
Mobile:(206) 386-4636
Schedule: 10:00–20:00
Public Transports: 4th Ave & Madison St
The library’s transparent magenta walls and disc shape allow plenty of light to flow in, creating a homey and relaxing feel. The airy, informal space is equipped with multimedia stations on all three floors, as well as a colorful area catering to children. At night, the illuminated building casts an ethereal glow.
6.TU DELFT LIBRARY, DELFT, NETHERLANDS
The TU Delft central library, was designed by the Mecanoo architects and built between 1996 -1997.
Although nearly fifteen years old, the visionary TU Delft Library is still an excellent example of forward-thinking sustainable design. Mecanoo Architecten’s vision was to develop a light-filled landmark that would serve as “a gateway to the digital highway”. What they achieved is a public place that is not only a core for information, but also features a prodigious public green roof for people to explore, relax and play.
Visitors can catch some sun on the inclined lawn during the warmer months, and when it snows the roof makes for the best sledding in town — after all, where else are you going to find a hill in the Netherlands? The green roof also provides the interior with a much reduced need for cooling and helps the Delft University of Technology campus control storm water runoff.
Address: Prometheusplein 1, 2628 ZC Delft, Países Baixos
Mobile: (801) 524-8200
Schedule: 9:00–21:00
Public Transports: 400 S @ 225 E
More than one million books were set in place for the official dedication of the Library on May 23, 1911.
The following morning, New York’s very public Public Library officially opened its doors. The response was overwhelming. Between 30,000 and 50,000 visitors streamed through the building the first day it was open. One of the very first items called for was N. I. Grot’s Nravstvennye idealy nashego vremeni (Ethical Ideas of Our Time), a study of Friedrich Nietzsche and Leo Tolstoi. The reader filed his slip at 9:08 a.m. and received his book six minutes later!
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