We have already learned about the world’s biggest libraries, but this list contains ten libraries that are more amazing than the books they hold! From crazy shapes to no shapes at all, here are just ten of the world’s most unusual libraries…
The Beach Library, Albena
10 – The Beach Library, Albena
There is nothing worse than going to the beach and suddenly realising you have forgotten that book you wanted to read. Well, fear not, because The Beach Library is just a stone throw away. Well, it is if you are on a sandy beach of the Bulgarian Black Sea resort of Albena.
Public Telephone Booth Library, UK
9 – Public Telephone Booth Library, UK
Not only is it a great use of all the old red public phone boxes scattered around the UK, but it is also good for local villages who don’t have access to a library or the means to travel to one.
Biblioteca Sandro Penna, Italy
8 – Biblioteca Sandro Penna, Italy
No, Aliens have not landed on Earth, this really is a very sci-fi looking public library in the town of Cesena, Italy. The library’s transparent magenta walls and disc shape allow plenty of light to flow in, creating a relaxing feeling. The airy, informal space is equipped with multimedia stations on all three floors, as well as a colourful area catering to children.
The Kansas City Public Library, United States
7 – The Kansas City Public Library, United States
What better way to stylise a public library than with giant books! The only problem is it is kind of stuck being a library or possible a book superstore.
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The Bookyard, Belgium
6 – The Bookyard, Belgium
While this is more of an art installation than a permanent library, its open-air design is worthy of credit. Designed by Italian artist Massimo Bartolini for the Belgian art festival it was considered a success at the time and was even going to be made a permanent library at one point. But those talks have since gone silent.
Mansueto Library, United States
5 – Mansueto Library, United States
With its huge glass panelled dome, it is often called “The library for the future”. That big glass egg done is not just for show, it also allows for a maximum level of light for reading no matter where you are.
University of Indonesia, Indonesia
4 – University of Indonesia, Indonesia
No, this building is not a space-age Hobbit home, it is a public library located at the University of Indonesia. Is green exterior hides the steel and concrete inside giving it the illusion of blending into the environment rather than destroying it.
Aberdeen University Library, UK
3 – Aberdeen University Library, UK
The University of Aberdeen is a modern library that is often considered one of the architectural highlights of the city. Boasting a huge glass-faced box design from the outside, the inner layout was devised with a very curvy central gap going up through each story of the library, creating an innovative and interesting internal space.
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Czech National Library, Prague
2 – Czech National Library, Prague
The New National Library of the Czech Republic is situated within a large green site on the Letna plateau in Prague. The 40.000 sqm building is placed on a white unpolished marble platform, with mirror finished stainless steel wings lifted up the perimeter edges to reflect the building from different angles. Sadly it is still little more than a concept building, but maybe one day it will become real.
Yangzhou Chongshuge Libary, China
1 – Yangzhou Chongshuge Libary, China
If you thought a library might be row upon row of books all held in a rather dull building with hundreds of shelves and long corridors you might want to think again. This tunnel is designed to capture the importance of water in the Yangzhou culture and its arched bridge.