The 10 most beautiful libraries in the world
The 1000 Libraries Awards 2025 highlights some of the most beautiful libraries and bookstores globally, according to 200,000 online voters.
The organization, 1000 Libraries, began as a blog and has since grown into a global community of book lovers who share travel tips and destination guides, said founder Vincent Phan.
"Our purpose is essentially to promote libraries and bookstores from all around the world and make sure that they are still relevant in our age of internet and digital technology," Phan told CNBC Travel.
Here is the top 10 list of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
Name: Library of Trinity College Dublin
The Library of Trinity College Dublin is Ireland's largest library, housing thousands of rare manuscripts including the 9th-century Book of Kells, a lavishly-decorated, symbol-laden manuscript of four Gospels from the Bible's New Testament.
The library is renowned for its Long Room, a 65-meter hallway lined with 200,000 marble busts of literary figures, and charges entrance fees starting from 19 euros ($22).
Name: State Library of South Australia
The State Library of South Australia offers more than just books — it features a collection of historical board games and is well-known for the Victorian-designed Mortlock Chamber, which dates to 1866.
The basement — once a workplace for skilled taxidermists — is a treasure trove too, housing more than 40,000 books.
Name: St. Gallen Abbey Library
The St. Gallen Abbey Library is one of the oldest libraries in the world and possesses a vast collection of medieval manuscripts.
Located in northeastern Switzerland, the St. Gallen Abbey was once a large monastery.
"Since the 8th century until its secularisation in 1805, [it was] one of the most important cultural centres in Europe," according to UNESCO's website.
The site was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Name: Duke Humfrey's Library
Duke Humfrey's Library is a library within a library.
It's the oldest reading room in the larger Bodleian Library, the main research library at the University of Oxford.
Books in Humfrey's library were once chained to the bookshelves, and today can only be read in Bodleian Library's reading rooms, according to its website.
Duke Humfrey, the youngest son of King Henry IV, donated his collection of 281 manuscripts to the library upon his death in 1447. All but three were later removed and destroyed during the Protestant Reformation.
Name: The library at Admont Monastery
The Admont Abbey Library is the world's largest monastery library with a 70 meter long hallway, displaying more than 60,000 books.
A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, the library features seven ceiling frescoes by the Austrian painter Bartolomeo Altomonte.
Fun fact: The Benedictine monastery is still active today, with monks living on-site.
Name: Cuypers Library
The Cuypers Library is located inside Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, home to many of the most famous paintings by Rembrandt, Vermeer and other Dutch masters.
The library is the largest and oldest art historical library in the Netherlands, according to the Rijksmuseum's website.
Visitors can explore its books and neo-Gothic architecture, or use available iPads to delve deeper into the museum's collection.
Name: State Library Victoria
The State Library Victoria is Australia's oldest public library and one of the first free public libraries in the world, according to its website.
Its La Trobe reading room is a six-story high octagonal reading room that has seating for 320 readers and shelves for 32,000 books.
"It feels like walking into a cathedral… a place where knowledge is sacred… and stories are worshipped," said Phan, who recalled his day of studying there as a student.
Name: Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading
Inspired by Portugal's 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery, the Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading holds rare first editions and the largest collection of Portuguese literature outside of Portugal.
Beyond books, it is also a Portuguese cultural hub, hosting events and activities.
Name: Wiblingen Monastery Library
Often considered a hidden gem for its lack of crowds, the library sits in the north wing of the larger Wiblingen Monastery, a former Benedictine monastery founded in 1093.
Renowned for its ornate Rococo interior, the library's colorful gallery is marked with statues and artworks of mythological and biblical figures.
Name: Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève
The 6th century Sainte-Geneviève Library is located in Paris' bustling Latin Quarter.
The library was designed with a double-barreled roof that is supported by a row of thin iron columns, with lattice metalwork framing the ceiling.
"That strikes me whenever I walk into it, those arches are immense. They go all the way to the sky," said 1000 Libraries' Phan.
The Parisian city guide Sortir à Paris described it as "one library in Paris that you absolutely must visit."
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CNBC
31-07-2025
- CNBC
The 10 most beautiful libraries in the world
Some libraries aren't just places to borrow books — they're destinations with deep history and architecture that tell stories beyond the pages. The 1000 Libraries Awards 2025 highlights some of the most beautiful libraries and bookstores globally, according to 200,000 online voters. The organization, 1000 Libraries, began as a blog and has since grown into a global community of book lovers who share travel tips and destination guides, said founder Vincent Phan. "Our purpose is essentially to promote libraries and bookstores from all around the world and make sure that they are still relevant in our age of internet and digital technology," Phan told CNBC Travel. Here is the top 10 list of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Name: Library of Trinity College Dublin The Library of Trinity College Dublin is Ireland's largest library, housing thousands of rare manuscripts including the 9th-century Book of Kells, a lavishly-decorated, symbol-laden manuscript of four Gospels from the Bible's New Testament. The library is renowned for its Long Room, a 65-meter hallway lined with 200,000 marble busts of literary figures, and charges entrance fees starting from 19 euros ($22). Name: State Library of South Australia The State Library of South Australia offers more than just books — it features a collection of historical board games and is well-known for the Victorian-designed Mortlock Chamber, which dates to 1866. The basement — once a workplace for skilled taxidermists — is a treasure trove too, housing more than 40,000 books. Name: St. Gallen Abbey Library The St. Gallen Abbey Library is one of the oldest libraries in the world and possesses a vast collection of medieval manuscripts. Located in northeastern Switzerland, the St. Gallen Abbey was once a large monastery. "Since the 8th century until its secularisation in 1805, [it was] one of the most important cultural centres in Europe," according to UNESCO's website. The site was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Name: Duke Humfrey's Library Duke Humfrey's Library is a library within a library. It's the oldest reading room in the larger Bodleian Library, the main research library at the University of Oxford. Books in Humfrey's library were once chained to the bookshelves, and today can only be read in Bodleian Library's reading rooms, according to its website. Duke Humfrey, the youngest son of King Henry IV, donated his collection of 281 manuscripts to the library upon his death in 1447. All but three were later removed and destroyed during the Protestant Reformation. Name: The library at Admont Monastery The Admont Abbey Library is the world's largest monastery library with a 70 meter long hallway, displaying more than 60,000 books. A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, the library features seven ceiling frescoes by the Austrian painter Bartolomeo Altomonte. Fun fact: The Benedictine monastery is still active today, with monks living on-site. Name: Cuypers Library The Cuypers Library is located inside Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, home to many of the most famous paintings by Rembrandt, Vermeer and other Dutch masters. The library is the largest and oldest art historical library in the Netherlands, according to the Rijksmuseum's website. Visitors can explore its books and neo-Gothic architecture, or use available iPads to delve deeper into the museum's collection. Name: State Library Victoria The State Library Victoria is Australia's oldest public library and one of the first free public libraries in the world, according to its website. Its La Trobe reading room is a six-story high octagonal reading room that has seating for 320 readers and shelves for 32,000 books. "It feels like walking into a cathedral… a place where knowledge is sacred… and stories are worshipped," said Phan, who recalled his day of studying there as a student. Name: Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading Inspired by Portugal's 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery, the Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading holds rare first editions and the largest collection of Portuguese literature outside of Portugal. Beyond books, it is also a Portuguese cultural hub, hosting events and activities. Name: Wiblingen Monastery Library Often considered a hidden gem for its lack of crowds, the library sits in the north wing of the larger Wiblingen Monastery, a former Benedictine monastery founded in 1093. Renowned for its ornate Rococo interior, the library's colorful gallery is marked with statues and artworks of mythological and biblical figures. Name: Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève The 6th century Sainte-Geneviève Library is located in Paris' bustling Latin Quarter. The library was designed with a double-barreled roof that is supported by a row of thin iron columns, with lattice metalwork framing the ceiling. "That strikes me whenever I walk into it, those arches are immense. They go all the way to the sky," said 1000 Libraries' Phan. The Parisian city guide Sortir à Paris described it as "one library in Paris that you absolutely must visit."
USA Today
05-07-2025
- USA Today
What's in your cart? Shop rest and recovery must-haves from Sha'Carri Richardson
The track star shares what helps her slow down when she's not leaving competitors in the dust. Sha'Carri Richardson lives her life full-speed ahead—especially on the track. But off? The fastest woman in the world knows the power of a full stop. Whether she's sinking into an ice bath after a good workout, or sinking her teeth into a plate of homemade fries made by her grandmother—whom she affectionately calls "Big Momma"—the athletic superstar has no problem slowing down from time to time. While her speed might be superhuman, Richardson's favorite ways to slow down and relax are pretty normal; from a little self-care and a good book, to indulging on some sweet or savory snacks. NEXT RACE: Sha'Carri Richardson headlines the 2025 Prefontaine Classic. Here's how to watch Here's a look at some of Sha'Carri Richardson's secrets to taking things slow: Beat the sweat and sun with a little self-care One of the first steps in her routine is washing off the sweat and sunscreen after a long day. To do it, Richardson reaches for her Olay Cleansing Melts. They are TSA-friendly, which is a must when you're flying from Tokyo to Dallas, then to Eugene, Oregon for your next race. Get inspired with some light reading Richardson loves a good book, often picking up the Bible or other staple reads. Currently at the top of her reading list? Uncommon Favor by Dawn Staley (yes, THAT Dawn Staley) and Dear Black Girls by two-time WNBA champion A'ja Wilson. Are we surprised at all that she finds inspiration in two other phenomenal women in the sports world? Richardson said both books were gifted to her by the authors themselves. READ THESE TITLES AND MORE: Kindle Unlimited gives you access to over 4 million titles. Try it for free for 30 days Take your sweet time with a chocolate turtle "Turtles chocolate was always a favorite in my house—classic, rich and worth taking a moment to pause," Richardson said. "For me, it's not just candy—it's about connection. Every time I have Turtles, it takes me back, keeps me grounded and reminds me to slow down and celebrate wins, both big and small." Rest and recover with ice—and lots of it What is a power athlete without an ice bath to recover? Sha'Carri Richardson's recovery tactics involve a little bit of heat and a little bit of ice—no matter if she's feeling a dip in a ReddyIce packed tub or a moment to slow down in the sauna. But, ice comes in many forms. Richardson was among the first batch of athletes to test Nike's new Hyperboot by Nike Hyperice, and now they're a regular part of her recovery process. 'As a sprinter, every millisecond matters," Richardson said. "So having my feet and ankles already activated helps me prepare to perform at my best.' NIKE GEAR: Nike's newest "So Win" gear features Olympic gold medalist Sha'Carri Richardson Looking good on and off the track Richardson loves a good self-care moment, which includes slowing down and taking a seat to get her hair done. She recently launched her own extensions brand, Flow & Go, to keep her looking good on and off the track. What to know about Sha'Carri Richardson's partnership with Turtles Turtles surveyed over 2,000 adults in the United States and found that over 93% of Millennial and Gen Z Americans feel like they're living a hectic lifestyle and don't have enough time to slow down. And when they do find time to slow down, over 83% feel happier, calmer or more present. So, Turtles, the original caramel nut cluster and OG of slow since 1916, is partnering with the fastest woman in the world, Olympic Gold medalist, and current 100m World Champion, Sha'Carri Richardson on the 'It's Slow Good' campaign. The goal is for Richardson and Turtles to help connect to a culture obsessed with speed and hustle to slow down, and maybe enjoy something sweet to help you do that. While slowing down can feel like a luxury, it doesn't have to when you're finding small ways to take a break from our hectic lifestyles.
Axios
23-06-2025
- Axios
Minnesota couples go small with "micro weddings"
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