20 Libraries that All Book Lovers Should Visit

The ease of technology aside, feeling the weight of a real book in your hands, and hearing the pages turn one at a time is what makes reading such a pleasant experience. For people like us, who love books, finding a special place to read is almost as important as the story itself. One of the best places to read is a lovely, quiet library. Libraries are, after all, the home of great books and there are some libraries around the world that you must experience to fully appreciate.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Alexandria, Egypt

More than two millennia ago, Alexandria was home to the ancient world’s largest and most important library. Today, Bibliotheca Alexandrina is trying to recapture part of that spirit. It can hold as many as 8 million books and has multiple museums and art galleries.

Real Gabinete Portugues Da Leitura in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The most significant collection of Portuguese literature outside of Portugal is found in the Real Gabinete Portugues Da Leitura. There are almost half a million rare or singular works in the collection. The library is centered around a piece called Altar of the Homeland by António Maria Ribeiro.

Bodleian Library in Oxford, U.K.

Notable items kept at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, U.K. include the Magna Carta and Shakespeare’s First Folio. The library holds 13 million items. It is one of the first circular libraries in England and serves as an inspiration for the 2007 film “The Golden Compass.”

The Morgan Library & Museum in New York, New York, United States

The Morgan Library & Museum in New York City holds more than 350,000 items. The library itself can be considered a work of art. The building has Circassian walnut bookcases and gold accents. It even comes complete with secret spiral staircases and balconies where you can get a close-up view of the fresco-covered ceilings.