The structure, design, and concept of a library is ever changing the Dewey Decimal System is becoming an outdated system of cataloguing and is now replaced with barcodes and sophisticated check out counters. In Taiwan, you can return books in certain “neighbourhood reading rooms” around the city. In Hanoi, Vietnam, there is a library with a built in aquaponic system and climbing frame. Libraries have become not only a place for studying, reading, and research rather, they are now also wide open spaces where ideas can thrive and for people to collaborate on projects.
Below is a shortlist of what Cosmic Latte deems some of the most beautiful libraries that any book lover would want to stay in all day. This list is not comprehensive, but it is a selection of libraries wherein the size is adequately large enough for study and leisurely reading, has all the features expected of a library, and more. Let’s exploce Top Beautiful Libraries in Asia below.
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Top Beautiful Libraries in Asia
Zhongshuge Library-Yangzhou, China
With mirrors on the walls, ceilings, and even floors, this library is like walking into a new dimension, made entirely of books. If you’re looking to knock an art museum and a library off your bucket list, well, this is the place to go. This is once of Top Beautiful Libraries in Asia.
An ultra modern library built specifically for lovers of design, [email protected] is one of Singapore’s gems. Not only is it pretty to look at (they even have an entire magazine wall!), this innovative establishment is actually the city’s very first lifestyle library.
“Design is for everyone” is their philosophy, and it’s something I find absolutely refreshing. With a collection of over 45,000 titles, this library is geared towards anyone with an interest in design from professionals to those who are simply curious about the topic. This chic library definitely gets plus points for being inclusive.
BooksActually
If cosy, eclectic spaces are your kind of thing, then you’re bound to fall in love with BooksActually. Its name is actually a shortened version of their tagline, “Books actually worth buying” something they make sure to live up to.
Here, you’ll find titles of about any genre you can think of: history, science, travel, music, film, you name it . Among BooksActually’s fiction collection are unique titles by popular authors like Murakami, Salinger, and Capote. To add to the mix, this quaint bookstore also sells a selection of trinkets, both literary themed and otherwise. It’s a nice place to shop for knick-knacks and souvenirs.
Starfield Library
At the centre of Seoul’s COEX Mall, you’ll find one of Korea’s most popular sites: the Starfield Library. Truly one of Asia’s (and the world’s!) most beautiful libraries, it’s best known for its giant bookshelf, which towers at a whopping 13 metres. The Starfield Library is home to over 50,000 books and magazines, though as you might expect, most of these are written in Korean. But to make up for this, there are actually entire sections dedicated to foreign titles and internationally acclaimed authors.
Adding to its cool factor is its generous selection of e-books, which visitors are welcome to browse through with their available iPads. A popular spot frequented by both tourists and locals, it definitely isn’t your typical library. It’s often crowded and can get quite noisy but what I do love about it is that everyone is welcome to sit, read a book, or work. They actually have around 200 seats available. If you’re the type of person who isn’t a stickler for peace and quiet, then you might want to take advantage of their free Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Cafe Comma – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Cafe Comma is the next best thing to curling up in your own bed with a good book. This café or bookstore offers small “pods” where customers can bring their purchased drinks and food (and a book of course!) and read the day away in relative solitude.
Library Lounge These -Tokyo, Japan
Bar, Bookstore, Why not both, This hidden gem serves up classy cocktails inside a library themed space. Sip drinks while browsing the shelves and soaking up the ambiance. It may be a bit too dark to actually read, but you’ll still be immersed in a bookish atmosphere.
Eslite Bookstore – Taipei, Taiwan
This bookstore chain’s Taipei location is the only 24-hour bookstore in the city (and maybe the the world ) and it’s one of their most popular branches. It’s perfect for those nights when you finish an amazing book at midnight and need the sequel, like, ASAP.
College Street – Kolkata, India
Did you know that Kolkata has the largest second hand book market in the entire world. You’ll find Boi Para, or “Book Town,” on College Street, near many of the city’s universities. You could spend hours walking along the colorful stalls looking for every genre under the sun.
