Books hold magic, but so do the spaces that house them. This post celebrates some of the most breathtaking libraries in the world. From towering shelves to sleek modern marvels, these spaces embody everything a book lover dreams of. Plus, you’ll find tips on bringing a little of that library magic into your own home — through decor ideas and book recommendations that celebrate our love of stories.
✨ Post Updated in 2025: Originally published in 2012, this post has been refreshed with new images, updated descriptions, and extra resources. I’ve kept the original comments because I adore the conversation that bloomed from fellow book lovers like you. 💕
- Trinity College Library, Dublin
- Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, Paris
- George Peabody Library, Baltimore
- Admont Abbey Library, Austria
- Beinecke Rare Book Library, Yale University
- Strahov Monastery Library, Prague
- Stuttgart City Library, Germany
- Royal Portuguese Reading Room, Rio de Janeiro
- Belarus National Library, Minsk
- Historic Monastery Library, Peru
- Bookish Decor Guide
- Books About Libraries
Trinity College Library, Dublin
The Long Room at Trinity College is one of the most iconic libraries in the world...
Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, Paris
This Parisian gem features soaring iron arches and elegant lamps, bringing a romantic industrial charm to its airy halls filled with books.
George Peabody Library, Baltimore
Marble floors, stacked balconies, and ornate ironwork give this library its Gilded Age glamour. It's the epitome of old-world elegance.
Admont Abbey Library, Austria
Often called the most beautiful library in the world, Admont Abbey's baroque masterpiece dazzles with golden ceiling frescoes, pristine white architecture, and ornate sculptural details that make every corner a work of art.
Beinecke Rare Book Library, Yale University
This architectural marvel protects rare manuscripts behind translucent marble walls that filter natural light into a warm, golden glow—creating an otherworldly atmosphere where precious books seem to float in amber light.
Strahov Monastery Library, Prague
Dating back to the 12th century, Strahov's two magnificent baroque halls feature stunning ceiling frescoes and ancient volumes—a breathtaking testament to centuries of scholarly tradition in the heart of Prague.
Stuttgart City Library, Germany
This minimalist masterpiece is a study in geometric perfection, with pristine white walls and clean lines creating an almost ethereal reading environment that feels like stepping inside a contemporary art installation.
Royal Portuguese Reading Room, Rio de Janeiro
This breathtaking neo-Gothic library in Rio de Janeiro enchants visitors with its soaring architecture, intricate woodwork, and magnificent stained glass dome that bathes the reading room in colorful light.
Belarus National Library, Minsk
This futuristic gem looks like a glowing crystal at night, blending modern architectural innovation with a love of literature.
Historic Monastery Library, Peru
This magnificent monastery library showcases centuries of preserved knowledge with its towering wooden shelves and colonial architecture—a testament to the sacred tradition of safeguarding books and learning through the ages.
Create Your Own Bookish Escape
Here are my hand-picked finds for creating a dreamy, cozy, and inspiring reading space:
Furniture & Storage
Classic Wood Bookcase
Rich, timeless wood shelves for that forever-library feel.
Price: $70–$300
Shop Bookcases
Ladder Shelf
Stylish and space-saving — perfect for book stacks and decor.
Price: $70–$180
View Ladder Shelves
Seating
Comfy Wingback Chair
Sink in and get lost in a story — your ultimate reading spot.
Price: $200–$550
Find Your Chair
Lighting
Vintage Brass Lamp
Warm glow + elegant finish = cozy reading evenings.
Price: $40–$120
Shop Lamps
Wall Storage
Floating Wall Shelves
Perfect for a modern library look (and showing off your prettiest covers!).
Price: $25–$100
Explore Floating Shelves
Cozy Extras
Cozy Throw Blanket
Because no reading corner is complete without one.
Price: $25–$70
Cozy Throws
Books That Celebrate the Magic of Libraries
Here are some lovely, fascinating, and inspiring reads that dive into the world of books, libraries, and the people who love them:
The Library Book by Susan Orlean
A love letter to libraries, plus a gripping true crime mystery about the fire at the Los Angeles Public Library.
Get This BookThe Most Beautiful Libraries in the World
Stunning photography paired with history — the ultimate coffee table book for book lovers.
Grab Your CopyLibraries: A Design Manual
An architectural deep dive into how libraries are designed, from historic landmarks to modern marvels.
Get It HereWhich Library Matches Your Bookish Heart?
Are you a towering-shelves romantic? A sleek-modern minimalist? Or someone who dreams of a gilded, marble-floored reading palace? I’d love to know — drop your favorite in the comments!
And if you’ve created your own dreamy reading nook, please share it... my fellow bookish soul will swoon. 📚
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Hello, I've too favorite :
ReplyDelete1- Monastery Library at San Francisco Monastery and Church in Lima, Peru
2-Trinity College Library~ University of Dublin
I love old public libraries, the silence, serenity, smell of old paper, history attached to these books ... a wonderful feeling !
BlackTulip~ thanks for sharing your favorites. I think my favorites are the ones with the murals on the ceilings. I love that you commented, it is great to know that others share my love of All Things Books..
ReplyDeleteI remember when I was a very young girl my grand father took me to see some beautiful Medieval illuminated manuscripts at the National Library in Paris (France) ; it was not a part open to the public but he had a friend there and I remember very vividly those beautiful colors and all this gold, it was unbelievable !! it is a vision I will never forget, of course we couldn't touch only look at it but it was enough .. some things remain forever engraved in our memory, even after forty years !
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful memory, both with Library and grand pere. Those moments are priceless.
ReplyDeleteIts the smell of old libraries but of the ones you have pictures of its has to be Monastery Library at San Francisco Monastery and Church in Lima, Peru. It looks like a magical fairy tale or something out of harry potter and I want to be there!!
ReplyDeleteI agree Kerry, the smell of libraries is marvelous, there's a warm woody smell that adds to the experience. Harry Potter would be proud to have that as the library at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. :)
ReplyDelete