The very interesting blog "Curious Expeditions" has a must-see post containing a large number of images of the most beautiful libraries from around the world. Here is the Strahov Theological Hall, in Prague:
Here are more images of that amazing room, from a Flickr page.
One library I would add to the Curious Expeditions compendium is the library of the Brooklyn Historical Society (completed 1881, George B. Post, architect), one of the most beautiful rooms in New York:
One more American library, this one included at Curious Expeditions:
That's the Peabody Library (Edmund G. Lind, architect, 1878) in Baltimore. It's one of the most special places in this country. Who out there has ever designed a library? Let us post pictures of it!
I just stumbled across this site, absolutely love it; I am very much inspired by Classical Architecture.
After seeing the photo of the library of the Brooklyn Historical Society, I realised that I had seen something strikingly similar before! The College Library of my school, Eton College next to Windsor in England looks so much like it! Unfortunately I cannot find any images on the internet for a comparison...
Thanks for the site!
Posted by: Jeffrey Lu | December 08, 2007 at 02:20 PM
I wish I had a photograph of the Divinity Library at Yale. It has the same spacious and balanced feeling as the Brooklyn library above. Years ago, I trudged up Prospect Street just to imbibe the beauty of that library which I considered the perfect place to study or daydream. Old, missionary biographies surrounded me. A fireplace, rarely lit, was centrally placed at one end. Whispering "divines" occasionally shuffled past.
In many ways, it resembled an apse, not a library -- more church than state.
What ever happened to fireplaces in libraries? Their flickering light and occasional crackling sound created a perfect ambiance for thoughtful reading.
Kristen
Posted by: kristen | January 11, 2008 at 08:23 PM
I love people that finds time to post coments in sites like this one. still there is beauty in the world.
Posted by: Daniel, from Brazil | May 03, 2008 at 10:24 PM
Seeing the Peabody Library makes me want to cry, it's so gorgeous. :)
Posted by: Katelyn | July 02, 2008 at 07:38 PM
thats the biggest libery i ever seen i hope i see it in real live.
Posted by: jennifer | October 29, 2008 at 06:04 PM
Seeing these beautiful pictures makes you want to be a librarian!
Posted by: gabriel | May 13, 2009 at 06:17 PM
wow:its very nice
Posted by: Ehsan | October 17, 2009 at 06:46 AM