There are many cool libraries around the world, but not all of them are local. These awesome atheneums are located across countries, spreading to every corner of the world. Let's take a look at some of the best!
1. Library at the National Palace of Mafra in Mafra, Portugal
This library, located in Portugal, is one of the most majestic libraries to exist. It makes you feel like royalty every time you step inside, and its huge book collection provides more than enough entertainment. It contains a rare 30,000 books dating from the 15th-19th centuries. While most libraries are struggling to keep animals out, this library lets bats in at night to eat any book-eating pests that might damage the ancient tomes. According to the library's official website, the library is only open to historians or scholars, but you can still see the library if you take a tour of the palace.
2. The Old Library at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland
This library is huge. Spanning about 65 meters in length, this library is most famous for the Book of Kells, the 9th century Gospel manuscript that is one of Ireland's national treasures. The room where the Book of Kells is displayed, the Long Room of the Old Library, contains 200,000 of the library's oldest books in ornate oak bookcases. Unless you are a student or a friend of a student at the university, there is a small fee of about 2 euros (about $1.94). However, this library is totally worth a visit.
3. The Seattle Central Library in Seattle, Washington
This library is a bit closer to the US, in chilly Seattle. Its amazing architecture looks modern and gravity-defying. This library features a "Books Spiral" in which the entire collection of nonfiction books is displayed in a continuous spiral, which provides a surreal effect. There is also a cool-looking Red Room that uses red walls and red lighting to make it seem like the world around you is on fire. This 11-story library contains over 1.5 million books, with something for everyone, no matter their favorite genre.
So the next time you are out and about, check out the nearest library and you might discover a cool new space!