7 most unusual libraries from all over the world, where you can find not only books

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

In the era of the rapid development of the Internet and the increasing popularization of electronic books, traditional libraries have not lost their relevance. New treasuries of wisdom are opening up all over the world. At the same time, libraries take on not quite ordinary functions, which makes them no less visited than in those days when the mass use of electronic gadgets was out of the question.

Library Alexandrina (Egypt)

Opened in 2002 on the site of a library destroyed two millennia ago, Alexandrina has become the pride and one of the attractions of Egypt. The building in the form of a solar disk contained about 8 million books, separate specialized libraries for different segments of the population, including the visually impaired. In addition to book depositories, there are four huge art galleries, a planetarium and a modern workshop where ancient folios are being restored.

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Brooklyn Art Library (USA)

There are no books in this library, but there is a huge collection of sketchbooks - sketchbooks. In 2006, the spouses Peterman, Stephen and Sarah, together with their classmate Shane Zucker, first created a cooperative, which later grew into the Sketchbook project. Today it is already an extensive library, which contains about 40,000 illustrated albums, about 20,000 more can be viewed in electronic form. At the same time, in the unusual library you can find works by both famous artists and novice painters or illustrators. In addition, anyone with something to share with the world can register with the library by paying a $ 25 fee and then receive a blank album. After filling, the sketchbook is returned to the library and becomes available for review.

In addition to the usual stationary hall, there is also a mobile mini-version of the library. A small truck, capable of holding about 4.5 thousand sketchbooks, is constantly moving around the country, making it possible for thousands of people to get acquainted with modern artistic creativity.

Museum-Library of Children's Illustrated Books in Iwaki (Japan)

An amazing space for children created in Japan. Classes with preschoolers are held here almost all week, and on Friday every child can come to the library, take any of the offered 10,000 books, get acquainted with bright pictures or read. At the service of children are bright rooms and mysterious darkened corridors. Architect Tadao Ando dreamed that in the building he created, children could dream, looking at the majestic Pacific Ocean, the view of which opens from the window.

Bishan Public Library (Singapore)

The library is only 12 years old, but it has already become the pride and one of the most attractive places for intellectual recreation for Singaporeans and guests of a small state. The avant-garde building, which seems almost transparent, was created in full accordance with the requirements of the time. Inside, each room is arranged so that the readers feel comfortable not only to read.

Separate blocks of colored glass allow you to retire to read in silence or dream in a space where no one bothers. Special rooms with high soundproofing are created so that readers can not only enjoy reading, but also discuss books with friends or strangers.

Library at Schiphol Airport (Netherlands)

This library opened at Amsterdam Airport in 2010, the first of its kind in the world. Books that any passenger can read while waiting for their flight are presented here in more than 40 languages. In addition to books, anyone can use one of the tablets with access to a huge music collection.

Two large touchscreens provide an opportunity for anyone to leave travel tips, mark their travel destinations on a touch map and view digital collections of Dutch cultural institutions. Currently, the third screen is being prepared for launch, however, its purpose is still kept secret.

"Eye of Binhai" - library in Tianjin (China)

The most unusual library in form and content was opened in China in 2017. Its construction lasted three years, and after its opening, the flow of tourists and readers who want to visit the unusual center is constantly growing.

At first glance at the central hall, it seems that the books are even on the ceiling and it is impossible to reach them. In fact, there are no books on the shelves, they are just masterfully executed images. The books themselves are kept in traditional book depositories and halls. Of particular interest are the auditoriums for audiobooks, the recordings of which can be obtained from the library.

Carnegie Library in Breddock (USA)

This library was the first opened by American businessman Andrew Carnegie back in 1889. Here, even at the moment of opening, everything was unusual and new in comparison with traditional libraries: a swimming pool, bowling alleys, billiard tables and a concert hall. In addition to an extensive book fund, the library also has art funds.

Any visitor can take a picture he likes for a while and then exchange it for the next one. Any artist can donate his work to the library. Soon, the library will also create a collection of dolls for visitors. They can also be taken at home.

Even in ancient times, libraries were considered a temple of the intellectual and spiritual development of mankind, therefore, special attention was paid to their construction. The most beautiful libraries in the world are distinguished by magnificent architecture, a unique smell of books and dust, huge reading rooms, saturated with an atmosphere of comfort and tranquility. All this and more makes them so special, while still attracting people, scientists and dreamers, to enjoy watching the great literary treasures.