Today is Book lovers day! Is there a better way to celebrate our passion for books? Our lives would never be the same without them and also in this time of the year there’s nothing better than having some relaxing moments with a book in our hands. Do you want to know how we’re going to celebrate this day? With a world tour in three of the most beautiful libraries in the world!
Boekhandel Selexyz Dominicanen – Maastricht (Holland)
It seems more like a cathedral, isn’t it? Well, you haven’t gone too far, actually. Maastricht Boekhandel Selexyz Dominicanen, in fact, is a bookshop inside an old church built consecrated in 1294. In 1796 the church’s ecclesiastical function ended, and it was used as a bike shed, exhibition space and a party hall. In 2006, this church found its new destiny. A bookshop was established inside the church thanks to interior design firm Merkx+Girod, who transformed it into a contemporary bookshop with 25.000 titles and 50.000 books. Its ancient elements live with new modern details, such as stained-glass windows and a steel a-centric ‘book tower’ with two floors.
Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart – (Germany)
Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart, Stuttgart public library, is one of the most beautiful buildings of modern times and it was designed by Korean architect Eun Young Yi. The design features a linear-shaped ‘heart’ which serves as a central, multi-storey meeting space that draws in natural light through the roof. Awarded in 2013 as the library of the year, it has more than 500.000 books.
George Peabody Library – Baltimore (Stati Uniti)
Have you ever thought about getting married in one of the most beautiful libraries in the world? Well, in Baltimore you can tie the knot surrounded by 300.000 ancient and rare books! George Peabody Library has been the background of many wedding ceremonies, but also a lot of private events. Architectonically conceived as a theatre, it’s built inside the Peabody Institute, the oldest conservatory in the United States, and it’s linked to the famous John Hopkins University.