Continuing this series of the Best Libraries around the world, this edition takes a look at just some of the most beautiful libraries in the USA, from the east coast to the west, from public to collegiate, from gothic to grecian. Is your favourite included? Leave a comment and let us know.
University of Michigan Law Library
Located in Ann Arbour in the state of Michigan, the University of Michigan’s Law School has easily one of the most beautiful libraries in the land. Situated within the Legal Research building, the Law Library Reading Room is a Neo-gothic masterpiece built between 1924 and 1933 with cathedral-high ceilings, millwork, candelabras and large ‘English Gothic’ windows. Each window features the seal of various law schools around the world from Melbourne to Manchester.
Boston Public Library
Probably one of America’s most instagrammed libraries, Boston Public Library takes a Palladian approach to architecture with a coffered ceiling with recessed squares featuring rose ornaments. The tall windows flanked one wall also feature the Palladian-esque arched styles. The library is also recognisable for its use of green glass lamp shades, similar to the traditional bankers lamps, handsomely hanging over each study desk. The beautiful Bates Hall is situated inside the McKim Building, which opened in 1895 after architect Charles Follen McKim used the stunning Saint Genevieve Library in Paris as inspiration.
University of Washington Suzzallo Library
With definite John Ryland’s Library vibes, the Suzzallo Library opened in 1926 and forms part of the University of Washington. The striking Graduate Reading Room stretches out at 250-foot (76 m) long and 65-foot (20 m) high with cast-stone ashlar wall blocks topped by a timber-vaulted ceiling and cathedral-sized gothic windows running the length of both sides of the room. Graduates of the university feared the reading room in their 2018 virtual reality game; Moss.
New York Public Library
The Rose Main Reading Room at New York’s Public Library, is probably one of America’s most recognisable libraries. It has appeared in countless movies such as The Day After Tomorrow, Ghostbusters (1984) and the Sex and The City movie, as well as television shows, references in poetry and literature. It is also the second library in the United States, after the Library of Congress. The Fifth Avenue-based reading room is 297 foot long (91 m) and 52 foot high (16 m), and is considered one of the United States’ largest column-free rooms. The Caen stone walls were designed to resemble limestone, while the plaster ceiling was created to emulate gilded wood, featuring classical motifs.
See more beautiful libraries from around the world in previous posts such as the Best Libraries in Europe part one and part two, as well as the Best Libraries in Australia, or in upcoming posts exploring more libraries of North America, as well as South America and beyond. Find more inspiring bookworm retreats by viewing the post on Library Inspiration, alternatively browse the ‘library‘ tag for more. Is there a library you think deserves a mention? Leave a comment!
feature image by MK. S