Since the earliest beginnings of civilization, the library has played an integral part in society.
In this blog, we take a journey through time to share some of our favorite libraries of the past and present.
Each example shows something we at collectionHQ know to be true – no matter the subject or location, the library is constantly evolving to meet the needs of its wide-ranging patrons.
The World’s First Library
To find the first ‘universal’ library, we have to travel to Alexandria in Egypt.
Alexander the Great sent scholars around the world to create maps and gather knowledge. After his death, The Great Library and Mouseion was commissioned, and ships were raided to find books to fill its shelves. There was even an ancient classification system for materials!
Sadly, the library was destroyed by fire in 48 BC by Julius Caesar and his men.
Libraries Without Books
While collectionHQ focuses on helping librarians with their book collection management, some libraries around the world have completely different items on their shelves…
For example:
- The Tool Library is a non-profit tool lending library in Buffalo, New York with over 5000 tools on their shelves, so every local resident has the ability to fix up their home, grow their own food, and improve their community.
- The Heritage Seed Library in Coventry, UK, holds over 800 varieties of seed, including heirloom varieties and seeds that are no longer available to buy. Members get access to their Heritage Seed List each year, and can select a range to grow at home!
- The Human Library began in Denmark in 2000, and is now available in over 80 countries. Instead of browsing shelves, you check out “human books” – volunteers who have specific skills or life experience, and want to share them to challenge stereotypes, broaden perspectives, or simply tell their story.
The World’s Oldest Library
There is some debate around the oldest operational library in the world, but according to The Guinness World Records, the title goes to St Catherine’s Monastery Library in Mount Sinai, Egypt.
The library was established sometime between 527 and 565 CE, and is home to the “Old Collection” – 3,330 manuscripts that are regarded as one of the most important early Christian collections in the world.
Sadly, St Catherine’s Monastery Library is not open to the public. Only scholars and researchers can access its archives with prior approval.
A Library for Kids
Ever wondered how to create kid-friendly shelves for your library?
Look no further than the Picture Book Library in Iwaki City, Japan!
Specifically designed for pre-schoolers, the bright covers of every book are visible across the building to create vibrant displays that ignite imagination and inspire a lifelong love of reading.
Also known as the Museum of Picture Books, the library has public open days and has been attracting visitors from around the world for over 20 years.
A Library for the Big Screen
The New York Public Library is the second largest in the United States, but the flagship branch on the corner of 5th Avenue and 42nd Street is known for much more than its collection.
As a longstanding fixture on the big screen, bibliophiles around the world will feel as if they have visited New York Public Library themselves, thanks to its appearance in iconic films including:
- 42nd Street (1933)
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
- Ghostbusters (1984)
- Spider-Man (2002)
- The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
- Sex and the City (2008)
And many more!
An Eco-Conscious Library
Located in Taiwan, The Beitou branch of the Taipei Public Library system is the most environmentally-friendly building in the entire country.
Situated in the lush grounds of the Beitou Hot Spring Park, Beitou Library resembles a beautiful treehouse, and was constructed using wood from sustainably managed forests to blend in with its natural surroundings.
Beitou is one of the most eco-conscious libraries in the world, and it has received a diamond rating for its commitment to sustainability initiatives, including solar panels on the roof and rainwater collection for toilet flushing.
Plus – where else can patrons enjoy a relaxing outdoor soak after browsing the shelves?
Libraries on the move!
And taking the final spot on the list, a library that has no physical location at all!
In La Gloria, Colombia, a Spanish teacher named Luis Soriano wanted to make reading more available to his students – many of whom had no access to books at home.
So, he created a mobile library with the help of two dedicated assistants – his donkeys, Alfa and Beto – and ‘Biblioburro’ was born!
Luis has been creating a love of reading in rural communities for over two decades, and many other librarians are following suit and taking his initiative further around the country.
You can find out more about his inspirational work here.
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And there you have it! Seven of our favourite iconic libraries of the past and present, located all over the world.
Do you have any favorite libraries or fun facts that you think we missed?
Let us know in the comments!