10 Beautiful Libraries in the U.S. You Should Visit
By: Gabriel Kirellos (TheCollector)
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
10 Beautiful Libraries in the U.S. You Should Visit
Libraries have long stood as pillars of knowledge and culture, evolving from ancient archives to modern public institutions. The earliest known libraries date back to the 7th century B.C., such as the Library of Ashurbanipal in Nineveh, which housed a vast collection of cuneiform tablets. In the United States, the concept of public libraries gained momentum in the 19th century, with the Boston Public Library, established in 1848, being among the first to offer free access to its collections. Today, libraries across the nation not only serve as repositories of books but also as architectural masterpieces. Here are ten beautiful libraries in the U.S. you should visit.
1. Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Photograph of exterior of the Library of Congress in Washington DC. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Established in 1800, the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., stands as the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States. Originally housed within the Capitol, it suffered significant losses during the War of 1812 when invading forces burned the building, destroying its initial collection. In a pivotal move to restore its holdings, former President Thomas Jefferson sold his personal library to the institution, laying the foundation for its expansive and diverse collections.
Today, the Library encompasses three buildings, with the Thomas Jefferson Building being a highlight for visitors. This architectural marvel, completed in 1897, showcases a stunning Italian Renaissance design. Inside, the Great Hall welcomes guests with its ornate decorations, while the Main Reading Room impresses with a majestic dome and symbolic statues representing various fields of knowledge. Notably, the Library houses one of the few surviving copies of the Gutenberg Bible, a treasure displayed for public viewing.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the Library's exhibitions, which delve into diverse topics from American history to world cultures. The institution also offers free tours, providing insights into its vast collections and the building's rich history.
2. Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Public Library Reading Room, Boston, Massachusetts. Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Boston Public Library is a historic institution with a collection of over 23 million items and a stunning architectural design. Founded in 1848, it was the first large free municipal library in the U.S. and quickly grew beyond its original space. In 1895, the library moved to its iconic McKim Building in Copley Square, designed in the Italian Renaissance style.
Visitors can explore Bates Hall, the grand reading room with its high vaulted ceiling and signature green-shaded lamps. The library's courtyard, inspired by European cloisters, offers a quiet escape in the middle of the city. Inside, murals by John Singer Sargent and Edwin Austin Abbey add to the library's artistic appeal. The library also hosts exhibitions, lectures, and public events, making it a cultural hub.
3. New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, New York City, New York
The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of the New York Public Library. Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, the flagship of The New York Public Library (NYPL), is a Beaux-Arts landmark located at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan. Opened in 1911, it was the largest marble structure in the U.S. at that time. The building houses over one million volumes and offers free public tours highlighting its history, architecture, and collections. When visiting, you can explore the iconic Rose Main Reading Room and various exhibitions.
4. George Peabody Library, Baltimore, Maryland
George Peabody Library, Baltimore, Maryland. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Established in 1857 by philanthropist George Peabody, the George Peabody Library in Baltimore, Maryland, is renowned for its stunning architecture and extensive 19th-century collection.
Designed by architect Edmund G. Lind, the library opened in 1878 and features five tiers of ornamental cast-iron balconies rising to a skylight 61 feet above the floor.
Often referred to as a "cathedral of books," the library houses over 300,000 volumes, with strengths in religion, British art, architecture, American history, and more.
Now part of Johns Hopkins University, it serves as both a research library and a venue for events, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history and architectural beauty.
5. Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, New Haven, Connecticut
Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, New Haven, Connecticut. Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library is located at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, which is one of the oldest universities in the U.S. in continuous operation. The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library is one of the world's largest libraries dedicated exclusively to rare books and manuscripts. Established in 1963, it serves as a vital resource for scholars, researchers, and students.
Designed by architect Gordon Bunshaft of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the library is renowned for its distinctive modernist architecture. Its exterior features a windowless facade constructed from translucent Vermont marble panels, which allow natural light to filter into the interior while protecting the rare materials from direct sunlight. This design creates a unique, softly illuminated environment within the library.
Inside, the library houses some of the most valuable literary artifacts in existence. Among its prized possessions is a rare Gutenberg Bible, one of only 48 known copies. It also holds the Voynich Manuscript, a mysterious book filled with undeciphered text and unusual illustrations. The archives include the personal papers of influential writers such as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and James Joyce.
Open to the public, the library offers exhibitions showcasing its extraordinary collection. Researchers can access its reading room by appointment, while casual visitors can admire the breathtaking six-story glass-enclosed book tower.
6. Harold Washington Library, Chicago, Illinois
Harold Washington Library, Chicago, Illinois. Source: Flickr
The Harold Washington Library Center stands as a cornerstone of Chicago's intellectual and cultural landscape. Opened in 1991, it was named in honor of Harold Washington, the city's first African American mayor, who championed education and public resources. Towering over the South Loop, its design blends classical and modern influences, with red brick, grand arched windows, and distinctive rooftop acroteria. These are massive, sculpted owls that symbolize wisdom and learning.
Inside, the library spans ten floors, offering an immense collection of books, digital resources, and dedicated spaces for learning and creativity. The grand entrance leads visitors into an open, welcoming space, while deeper inside, the Thomas Hughes Children's Library provides a vibrant hub for young readers. The Maker Lab fosters innovation with 3D printers and technology tools, while the Harold Washington Archives preserve the legacy of the man who inspired its creation.
At the top, the breathtaking Winter Garden bathes in natural light, serving as a quiet retreat for study or reflection. Beyond its shelves and exhibits, the library remains a gathering place, hosting lectures, performances, and community programs.
7. The Morgan Library & Museum, New York City, New York
The Morgan Library & Museum, New York City, New York. Source: Wikimedia Commons
In the heart of New York City, The Morgan Library & Museum stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of art, literature, and history. Originally the private library of financier J. Pierpont Morgan, this institution has evolved into a public museum and research library, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the world of rare manuscripts, art, and architecture.
Designed by Charles Follen McKim of the renowned firm McKim, Mead & White, the library was constructed between 1902 and 1906. Its design draws inspiration from Italian Renaissance villas, featuring a grand facade and intricate interiors. The library's main room, with its soaring ceilings and rich woodwork, houses an impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts, reflecting Morgan's passion for collecting.
The Morgan's collection is vast and varied, encompassing rare books, manuscripts, drawings, and artifacts. Highlights include a Gutenberg Bible from the 15th century and original manuscripts of literary giants such as Charles Dickens and Mark Twain. The museum also boasts an impressive collection of musical scores, including works by Mozart and Beethoven. In a recent discovery, a previously unknown waltz by Frederic Chopin was found in the library's archives, adding to the legacy of groundbreaking finds within its walls.
Visitors can step back in time as they explore Morgan's private study, a room lined with historic tomes, rich tapestries, and a commanding fireplace. Throughout the museum, rotating exhibits bring fresh perspectives on history, literature, and the arts.
8. Los Angeles Central Library, Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles Central Library, Los Angeles, California. Source: Flickr
Los Angeles is a city of reinvention, and its Central Library is no exception. At first glance, its mix of Art Deco, Egyptian Revival, and Mediterranean influences might seem unusual, but in many ways, it mirrors the city itself: a blend of cultures, histories, and unexpected beauty. Designed by Bertram Goodhue and opened in 1926, the library's striking tiled pyramid, adorned with a golden sunburst, crowns its place in the downtown skyline, a quiet monument in a city of constant motion.
But the library's story is also one of survival. In 1986, an arson fire nearly destroyed it, reducing hundreds of thousands of books to ash. What followed was not just a restoration but a rebirth, culminating in the addition of the Tom Bradley Wing in 1993.
Today, visitors enter a living testament to the city's resilience. The rotunda still carries its intricate murals of California's past, while the eight-story atrium of the Bradley Wing floods the space with light, a quiet reminder that knowledge, like Los Angeles itself, refuses to be extinguished.
Far beyond its shelves, the library serves as a cultural crossroads. It offers a gathering place for art lovers, history buffs, and those simply seeking a moment of stillness in the city's endless rush.
9. The St. Louis Public Library, St. Louis, Missouri
The interior of the St. Louis Public Library in St. Louis, Missouri. Source: Wikimedia Commons
The St. Louis Public Library, established in 1865, has grown from a subscription-based entity into a comprehensive public library system serving the city of St. Louis.
Its Central Library, designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert and opened in 1912, stands as a testament to early 20th-century architectural grandeur.
The library's collection has expanded significantly over the years, reflecting its commitment to providing diverse resources to the community.
Today, the St. Louis Public Library offers a wide range of programs and services, including digital makerspaces known as Creative Experience, available at multiple locations for patrons of all ages. Through its evolution, the library continues to adapt and innovate, ensuring that it meets the changing needs of its patrons while preserving its rich history.
10. Suzzallo Library, Seattle, Washington
The interior of the St. Louis Public Library in St. Louis, Missouri. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Suzzallo Library, the central library of the University of Washington in Seattle, opened in 1926 and was named after Henry Suzzallo, the university's fifteenth president. Designed in the Collegiate Gothic style by architects Charles H. Bebb and Carl F. Gould, the library was intended to be the "soul of the university."
Visitors are often drawn to the Graduate Reading Room, a grand space measuring 250 feet in length, 52 feet in width, and 65 feet in height. This room features a vaulted ceiling adorned with vibrantly colored and gilded details, oak bookcases topped with hand-carved friezes of native plants, and tall leaded windows with stained glass panels reproducing Renaissance watermarks.
The library's exterior is equally impressive, with terra cotta sculptures of influential thinkers and artists, including Moses, Louis Pasteur, Dante Alighieri, and Shakespeare, selected by the faculty. Stone coats of arms from universities around the world, such as Toronto, Louvain, Virginia, California, Yale, Heidelberg, Bologna, O xford, Paris, Harvard, Stanford, Michigan, Uppsala, and Salamanca, also adorn the facade.
Suzzallo Library is also a destination for those interested in architecture and history. Its design and ambiance have earned it the nickname "Cathedral of Books," reflecting its status as a sanctuary for learning.
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If anyone has ever been in one of those libraries, what did they think about it?
I've been in the Boston Public Library, and I've always thought of it as impressive. I have also wondered if the younger generations appreciate it or even use it anymore.
It is nice to see it ranked # 2 on a list of Libraries.
I don't think they're ranked, or they would have said so. I think they're just numbered.
The Chicago library is nice, the floors are spacious and the seating comfortable. I dont think libraries have as many books in circulation these days, they have suffered from all the availability of information online .
This is the Chicago Public Library Winter Garden. It is a beautiful space.
The LA library looks different from the rest - it is the only one with art deco architecture.
The one in Seattle looks like a church without a steeple.
One has to wonder if the stylistic choice of Gothic cathedral type architecture meeting 20th century materials and techniques made the flying buttresses visible on the outside merely decoration.
I lived in the University District in Seattle for a number of years, but though I walked by it, I never stopped into the library to find out.
Did you get sleepless in Seattle? (movie joke)
Some nights...
LOL. These days I've been sleepless in Chongqing.
The third picture is the main bldg of the NYC Public Library system. The photo doesn’t show the two famous Lion statues on either side of the steps (most people have probably seen them in movies and would probably recognize them).
Many years ago I went on a tour of the bldg— many interesting facts! Among other things: they have many books stored in rooms under the library— but that’s still not enough room so there’s a bldg in New Jersey (just for storage) which has a tremendous number of books stored there!
IIRC the main reading room of that library was used to film a scene in the movie 🎥 “Ghostbusters”.
I hope that the day won't come when only ghosts go there.
But there will always be intelligent people so there will always be people who love books!
Just found this webpage. It mentions where Ghostbusters was filmed (mainly several NYC locations, but some filming was also done in Los Angeles):
Ghostbusters (1984) NYC Filming Locations
Find out where ghouls roamed the streets of NYC in this guide to the ‘Ghostbusters (1984) filming locations!
But will robots?
Interesting question!
They might be able to program them to have emotions, but of course robots aren't human so they can't actually feel emotions (well, of with the exception of certain politicians who shall remain nameless... )
Actually I had a similar conversation with someone a while back, Not about robots and emotions but rather about whether robots could be programmed to develop intuition!
But are they going to need so many books now that more and more people are using electronics instead of turning pages.
I keep thinking that if I retire, I will reread all of the King or Clancy novels I have accumulated. Maybe but I won't part with them, not yet.
I loved the Clancy novels! Read most of them. (I used to read a lot of fiction-- most spy stories, but also murder mysteries, Agatha Christie and others).
A while back I researched it, and discovered there is a company (now perhaps more than one company) that runs a luxurious train over the actual "Murder on the Orient Express" route. Its supposed to be very luxurious (and very expensive). You can book a ride over the entire route or just parts. And there are various levels of accomodation.
I intend to do it some day . . .
The "Orient Express" today refers to several luxury trains, most notably the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) , which offers scheduled luxury travel on original 1920s-1930s carriages.
A separate project, also called Orient Express , is revitalizing a different set of historic cars with modern designs for a new era of luxury travel, with the first cars launching around 2024.
Additionally, there is the Asian Eastern & Oriental Express , a similar luxury train experience in Southeast Asia, and the new La Dolce Vita Orient Express, which offers Italian-themed journeys
(LINK)
Don't part with them, pass them on to your kids, they'll be family herilooms.
The only Clancy novel I have here with me is The Hunt for Red October, someone gave me as a gift.
Bet it would be a great experience.
I can't open Google but I'll asume your link is okay.
The problem is space. In my previous home I had a library, Now I have dozens of boxes stored on shelves in the garage.
Again, IF I stop working maybe I can get rid of the office furniture and squeeze 4 or 5 bookcases in here with better lighting, turn off the boob tubes
( TV and internet monitors ) and relive some old semi forgotten adventures.
Oh, sorry about that. Can you use Bing (search for something like "Orient Express" or "Orient Express Today"?)
Wasn't that made into a movie a while back? Very popular I believe...?
There are several videos online-- people who made the trip and document it thoroughly.
Several videos-- some where they traveled in the least exxpensive room & several where the were in the most elegent (and very expensive) accomodations. All very luxurious...
"I intend to do it some day . . ."Bet it would be a great experience.
Actually there are two or three special train trips I'd like to take someday:
1. The Orient Express of course.
2. I've seen videos of the train trip that goes all the way from the East coast of Canada to the West coast. It designed to go through the most incredible scenery-- breathtaking views!
3. And possibly a long train trip in China.
Wow! You have a LOT of books. My library in my Toronto home wasn't anywhere near what yours is.
Absolutely. There are many pages of articles on the various versions of it.
It's a movie I've watched many times. Sean Connery is one of my favourite actors.
I have lots of them on bilibili.
"2. I've seen videos of the train trip that goes all the way from the East coast of Canada to the West coast. It designed to go through the most incredible scenery-- breathtaking views!"
Thanks for that. Yes that was one of the photos I had seen ( or one very like that).
Although I have been as far as the west coast of Canada, I have to admit I only flew over the Rockies. Now, if I were going to take a vacation (and being retired I'm always on vacation now), instead of going somewhere in the USA as I have done so many times, I would instead take that train through the mountains, or check out the east coast Maritime Provinces.
Here is a view from a dome car on a train ride I took Friday
The Steam powered excursion train had a meet with Amtrak west of Staunton, VA
What are those embankments on the left?
The dark gray above the car roof is smoke from the steam locomotive
This is locomotive that pulled the train, N&W 611. In the first picture it was accelerating after slowing to meet the Amtrak
Oh, then what I called embankments are roofs of other cars on the train that you were on?
She's a beauty.
"Oh, then what I called embankments are roofs of other cars on the train that you were on?"
yes, here is a better picture of the car roofs
Okay.
Many visitors to NYC visit the Main Library and miss The Morgan. That one is incredible inside! I don't remember the details because I went there last as a kid. (I had an aunt who took me to museums and some shows) ,
Photo: The Morgan Museum
I enlarged the photo of tne Morgan Library interior to make it easier to view the detail.
Thanks!
My computer has been having more and more problems lately. (Lately even the simplest operations often don’t work). It very very old. Not worth trying to get it fixed. Within the next few days I’m going to get a new one.
I have been to three of the libraries mentioned in this article - The Library of Congress, the New York Public Library and the Los Angeles Central Library. They are all wonderful places.
However, The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, CA (near Pasadena) is not to be missed. I encourage anyone visiting the Los Angeles area to go there. It is spectacular. I have been there many times.
The Library has more than 12 million items, including one of the world's largest collections of British medieval manuscripts, one of 12 surviving copies on vellum of the Gutenberg Bible, Audubon's Birds of America, multiple manuscript drafts of Thoreau's Walden in Thoreau’s hand and much more.
The Art Museum has an amazing collection that includes a large British and European art collection with an excellent collection of of British portraits considered to be one of the best in the country (Gainsborough's "Blue Boy" is a featured work) as well as 31 galleries of American art. The Art Museum consists of several buildings. The museum's holdings contain almost 50,000 works from around the world.
The Botanical Gardens are amazing with 16 themed gardens covering 130 acres including a beautiful Japanese garden with a wonderful bonsai collection with hundreds of bonsai trees, an incredible Chinese gardens designed by landscape artists from China, a sculpture garden and a 10 acre desert garden with specimens from all over the world.
Their excellent website has lots of photos and extensive information about everything there:
If you go, prepare to spend a whole day.
Photos from the Huntington website -
Library
Desert Garden
"Spoonbill" from Audubon's Birds of America
Magnificent. You brought to my mind that when i was a little kid my mother showed me the painting "The Blue Boy".
"Magnificent" is a good description. It is certainly one of the greatest places in Southern California if not the whole world. As you know, I have been to many places around the world and The Huntington is in a category of its own. A very special place.
They have lots of special exhibits so there are always new things to see.
I have taken many photos there, of course.
I am sorry that when I took my family on a road trip from the Muir Woods north of San Francisco, then south to Long Beach, we didn't know about that place.
I have to admit that the only public library I was ever in was in Hamilton, Ontario, the city in which I was born and grew up, and I was there MANY times because as a kid my mother took me very often for me to read the Freddy the Pig books (that much later made my acceptance and understanding of George Orwell's Animal Farm easier). Although it has since been replaced by a more modern building later on, this is the relatively ordinary looking library back then.
The only other libraries I've been in were the ones at the university I went to, and the law library at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, and interestingly enough I was given a tour by the head librarian at Harvard University Law School of the Law Library wnen I visited the school.
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