Rooms for book-lovers

I am day-dreaming about ancient rooms filled with books... those architectural wonders around the world stocked with dusty parchment and age-old ink, with ladders that climb into the heavens, world-globes in every corner, and desks where the authors of yesterday spent their time day-dreaming too.

Of places such as these: Amazing Libraries.

And if I could only select five to visit in my lifetime, I think I would choose:

1. Strahov Monastery Library, Prague, Czech Republic

Beautifully intricate with an incredible old-world charm. And yet it has a touch of cosiness about it. Quite an accomplishment.

2. Abbey Library of Saint Gall, St. Gallen, Switzerland
I'd love a glimpse at those 8th century manuscripts, and the stunning architecture, naturally.

 

3. National Library of St. Mark’s, Venice, Italy
Without knowing what the interior looks like, I will assume it to be as fantastic as the exterior, which instantly puts me in a novel-writing mood. Location may also have something to with this choice.

4. Jay Walker’s Private Library
Not open to the public - could be an issue, however I would love a tour of what the creator calls "The Walker Library of the History of Human Imagination". Looks amazing. And slightly vertigo-inducing.

5. George Peabody Library, Baltimore, Maryland

This "cathedral of books" makes me want to write a gothic-supernatural-thriller, with the Library as the major setting.