There’s something about books we can’t resist – especially the old ones. Even if you’re someone who doesn’t really like to read, you can’t deny the charm of a good old book shop. All those leather-bound prints, side-to-side in an order only the book vendor seems to understand. Esthetically, it’s very pleasing. Yet the smell of it all is even better. It makes you want to snuggle up in front of a fireplace somewhere in the English countryside – or is it just us? Anyway, the magic of books is a bit inexplicable yet very real.
But do you know what’s even better than a beautiful bookstore? An ancient library. Of course the places are filled with the rarest of books yet that’s not all. The buildings themselves are often true architectural gems with a history going much further than the titles they carry. And then, of course, there’s the interior design. The oldest ones are full of carved wooden display shelves and cast iron staircases, leading up to hidden corners where nobody ever seems to set foot. However, the more modern libraries are worth a visit too – here, you can expect a lot of windows, light iron structures and a more open ground plan, allowing you to get a good overview of the place.
Within the whole library world, university libraries are a category on their own. They often attract more visitors than others as students tend to assemble there to study. Resulting in a cozy, warm atmosphere which almost makes you want to go back to school. The Knowledge Academy was curious about which university libraries their users preferred and therefore took a look at the number of hashtags used for over 300 different libraries around the world. That survey resulted in an interesting top fifteen, which you’ll want to save for your next trip. Because these places surely deserve a bit of your (studying) time.
