Boston Public Library

This iconic building was constructed in 1895 and reimagined the modern American library as a “palace for the people” to spend time and bring their children, with the nation’s first reading room for children and an incredible courtyard. The stonework here is simply breath-taking and it has few rivals in the U.S.

The incredible reading room, complete with classic green lamps. Via/ Flickr
Those lion statues are magnificent. Via/ Flickr

Canada Waters Library, London

Designed by Piers Gough and built in 2011, this modern structure has many nods to the 1960s. The iconic oversized spiral staircase is the central feature of this quirky building, but the checkerboard rainbow floors and zig zag shelves are also quite attention-grabbing.

Canada Waters Library, London, UK Via/ Flickr
Canada Waters Library, London, UK. Via/ Flickr

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