There’s just something about a library.
While all libraries are magical, some have a certain je ne sais quoi. The muted mumbles of a quiet room, the smell of newly bound book glue mixing with the aging pages of older editions—it’s a treat for the senses and the mind to be surrounded by centuries of knowledge.
Here in the United States, where modern, brutalist architecture has taken over, libraries are one of the few spaces where one can find a bit of architectural character. Whether you’re a bibliophile or simply looking for a serene space to explore, these ten stunning libraries are worth a visit.
New York Public Library – Stephen A. Schwarzman Building | New York, NY
Ensconced by marble lions—named Patience and Fortitude—on either side, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is the iconic structure of the New York Public Library system. Located in Bryant Park on Fifth Avenue, it’s a Beaux-Arts icon, inviting visitors to live their every dark academia dream.
While the building’s facade is grand, its interior is even grander. High ceilings and ornate chandeliers hang above sweeping rows of wooden tables in the Rose Main Reading Room, where even the most fidgety people will sit still for an hours-long study session. As for its literary contents, the Schwarzman Building’s whimsical murals house some of the rarest books and manuscripts in the world.
Library of Congress | Washington, D.C.
Dubbed the crown jewel of United States libraries, the Library of Congress serves as the de facto national library of the United States. It’s also one of the world’s largest libraries, with approximately 173 million items—including one of only three perfect copies of the Gutenberg Bible—and materials in more than 470 languages supported by a staff of over 3,000.
The Thomas Jefferson Building, in particular, is breathtaking. Built with Italian Renaissance-inspired architecture, its uniquely round reading room features a domed ceiling, mosaic tiles, sculptures, reliefs, and opulent murals.
Boston Public Library – McKim Building | Boston, MA
Opened in 1895, the Boston Public Library’s McKim Building is a masterpiece of Renaissance Revival architecture. Designed by Charles Follen McKim, the architect of the original Penn Station, the Boston Public Library boasts marble staircases, intricate murals by John Singer Sargent, and a serene courtyard. The Bates Hall reading room, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling, is an elegant space for study or reflection.
The George Peabody Library | Baltimore, MD
Often called a “temple of books,” the George Peabody Library is a Victorian-era marvel. Its five-story atrium, lined with ornate cast-iron balconies and flooded with natural light, makes it feel more like a cathedral than a library. In fact, it regularly serves as a popular wedding venue during off-hours.
A standout feature of the Peabody is its collection of 19th-century literature, which makes it a sanctuary for history enthusiasts.
Seattle Central Library | Seattle, WA
The Seattle Central Library is as striking on the outside as it is functional on the inside. A modern architectural wonder, its ethereal glass-and-steel structure was designed by architectural legend Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Prince-Ramus, who also designed the World Trade Center Memorial. Every outward-facing wall boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing natural light to pour inside. Spiral bookshelves, soaring ceilings, and vibrant red floors make it a one-of-a-kind space that’s as much about the experience as the books themselves.
Los Angeles Central Library | Los Angeles, CA
A blend of Art Deco and Egyptian revival styles, the Los Angeles Central Library is a cultural gem in the heart of downtown. The rotunda features a stunning muraled ceiling by artist Dean Cornwell, depicting California’s history. The children’s department stands out as a unique feature of the library, with whimsical murals and large sun-drenching windows to captivate young minds to wonder. Outside, the Maguire Gardens offer a peaceful retreat amid the city bustle.
The Morgan Library & Museum | New York, NY
Initially the private library of financier J.P. Morgan, this Manhattan landmark exudes old-world elegance. While the library’s collection lies behind lock and key, it’s still a place people can frequent to balk at its red silk walls, massive fireplaces, and impressive collection of illuminated manuscripts and literary first editions. It’s a cozy yet opulent retreat for book lovers.
The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library | New Haven, CT
Located on Yale University’s campus, the Beinecke Library is a strikingly modern home for rare books. Its windowless, marble-paneled exterior glows softly from within, thanks to translucent panels. It’s home to home a Gutenberg Bible, original Audubon bird prints, and over 1 million other priceless objects. The interior is equally dramatic, with a central tower of glass-enclosed books surrounded by an open expanse of marble walls.
Harold Washington Library Center |Chicago, IL
Chicago’s main library is a mix of postmodern design and classic ornamentation that reads more greenhouse than library. Its exterior features massive bronze owl sculptures and a green roof with intricate acroteria. Inside, the Winter Garden on the ninth floor is a serene, light-filled space perfect for reading or contemplation.
St. Louis Public Library – Central Library | St. Louis, MO
The St. Louis Central Library is a neoclassical beauty. Designed by Cass Gilbert, the architect behind the U.S. Supreme Court building, the building’s original grand staircase, coffered ceilings, and stained-glass windows are complemented by modern renovations that seamlessly blend old and new.
Vail Public Library | Vail, CO
What the Vail Public Library lacks in architectural grandeur, it more than makes up for in tranquility. Seats line the glass walls facing the Eagle River, providing stunning views that make it a peaceful spot to read, write, or simply relax.
Mill Valley Public Library | Mill Valley, CA
Nestled in the heart of a redwood forest, the Mill Valley Public Library feels like a hidden gem. A cozy interior opens to large windows framing the redwoods for a bilblio treehouse. The serene atmosphere, paired with the library’s lodge-like wooden architecture, makes it a sanctuary for those seeking a more encompassing experience when embarking on literary adventures.
Austin Central Library | Austin, TX
A modern marvel in the heart of Texas, the Austin Central Library blends innovation with sustainability while making full use of the Texas sun. Its six-story design features a rooftop garden with stunning views of Lady Bird Lake, expansive reading porches, and a sun-drenched atrium. The library also boasts creative spaces, including a technology petting zoo and an art gallery, making it a vibrant hub for culture and community.
