Built in 2011 by architects Helen & Hard, the design of the Vennesla Library in Norway is impressively elegant, yet modern. The Vennesla boasts an open floor plan

with curved, angular seating pods and book shelves. The design utilizes natural light, adding to the structure's modernity. View the space via a virtual architectural tour.

Located in Monterrey, Mexico, the Conarte Bookstore is designed to preserve the art and culture of the area. Designed by architect firm, Anagrama, the space offers readers a comfortable sitting area,

along with a stunning space to view illusions of perspective.

Located in the Czech Republic, the Baroque Library Hall in Clementinum houses more than 20,000 volumes of theological literature, as well as rare books that date back

to the Jesuits. This stunning library has stood the test of time, first opening in 1722.

Built by architectural firm XL-Muse, the design of the Yangzhou Zhongshuge Library is based on ingenious illusions. Spearheaded by architect Li Xiang, the building's Binjiang District waterside

location inspired the design. The most visually stunning is a tunnel of books formed from arched walls and black-mirrored floors, meant to create an illusion of a water-like walkway. 

On the campus of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, the George Peabody Library houses more than 300,000 historic volumes. A skylight reflects off the shiny, black-and-white marble floor.

The building opened in 1878 and was designed by Baltimore architect Edmund G. Lind.

Located in Dublin, the Trinity College Old Library is the largest in Ireland. Dating back to 1592, the library's collection spans more than 6 million volumes, notably

the Book of Kells, which are medieval Latin manuscripts that illuminate the four Gospels of the New Testament. The room pictured above spans 200

feet long, a picturesque view of architectural genius.

The Walker Library of the History of Human Imagination houses rare books and artifacts that showcase the feats of human discovery, creativity, and knowledge. The personal library of

respected businessman and inventor Jay Walker boasts three amazing finds: an original Russian Sputnik, a rare re-print of the original Declaration of Independence, and rare maps

that portray the sun as the center of the Universe. 

The Vancouver Public Library resembles something from classic Rome. Designed by Moshe Safdie in 1995, the library sits in the heart of Vancouver and spans nearly 650,000 square

feet.

Located in Alexandria, Egypt, the New Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a modern testament to Egyptian heritage and culture. This new library sits near the original site of the ancient, Great

Library of Alexandria, which enriched the culture from the third century B.C. to the fourth century A.D.

According to National Geographic, plans for the Great Library

in 295 B.C. were meant to surpass that of Athens. The library housed ancient manuscripts, including those from Aristotle, Plato, and Sophocles.

In 48 B.C., the ancient library suffered

a great loss after Julius Caesar's army burned the metropolis. As time continued, the library finally ceased, and researchers believe all the ancient artifacts have since perished. 

This

new library is fireproof, and dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Ancient Egyptians.