Make These Libraries a Must-Visit on Your Summer Vacation

As summer approaches, vacation plans are underway, most likely filled with the usual tourist destinations. But for many bibliophiles, the idea of standing in the middle of a gorgeously designed library filled to the brim with books is a dream come true. If visiting a library sounds like your idea of fun, consider checking out these noteworthy spots across the United States.

1. New York State Library

Located in Albany, the New York State Library is a research library and part of the Office of Cultural Education within the state’s education department. The research portion of the facility was established in 1818 and now serves three major constituencies. Housing twenty million items, the library maintains materials supporting state government work and is used by on-site researchers.

Vacationers can visit the library on their way to Saratoga Springs or Lake George, both of which are only an hour away from the facility.

Sign the petition to show that Americans love their libraries!

2. Seattle Public Library

In the heart of downtown Seattle stands an eye-catching building with glass windows slanted at an angle: the Seattle Central Library. Designed by architect Rem Koolhaas, the library houses over one million books.

The building features a spiral of nonfiction books organized by the Dewey Decimal System. It culminates in a reading room illuminated by natural light on the tenth floor. Although the building opened in 2004, the Seattle Public Library system has existed since 1891, beginning with a humble reading room in Pioneer Square.

3. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Located in a ten-acre park with a waterside view alongside the city of Boston, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum chronicles the history of the United States’ thirty-fifth president. The museum library also serves as a memorial honoring John F. Kennedy, inspiring individuals who aim to make a meaningful impact in politics. Researchers can explore archival materials documenting Kennedy’s life and presidency.

Alongside the museum library, you can visit nearby iconic Boston landmarks, such as Fenway Park and the Freedom Trail.

4. Geisel Library

Located in La Jolla, California, the Geisel Library serves as the primary academic library for the University of California, San Diego. What strikes most people about the facility is its unique design. Consisting of a flower-like shape constructed from concrete and glass windows, the library is named after two donors, Audrey and Theodor Geisel. However, most people know Theodor by his more famous pen name, Dr. Seuss.

After checking out the Geisel Library, visitors interested in exploring San Diego further can take a trolley tour or visit Waterfront Park downtown.

Take action today to support libraries!

5. Iowa State Law Library

Inspired by Victorian design, the Iowa State Law Library features gorgeous wrought iron staircases that run from floor to ceiling at each end of the facility. It offers access to highly specialized legal collections and provides research assistance to its patrons.

The library houses approximately one hundred thousand materials, such as nonfiction books, photographs, and publication images. Although some of its collections are restricted, visitors are welcome to explore the building’s pristine architecture.

6. Library of Congress

Home to millions of books, photographs, films, and more, the Library of Congress is the world’s largest library. It also serves as a research center for the US Congress and includes the US Copyright Office.

Patrons can interact with the Library of Congress’s materials in person with the assistance of on-site staff in Washington, DC. The library is free to visit, with timed-entry tickets to enter the Thomas Jefferson Building.

7. Boston Public Library

The Boston Public Library is one of several monumental facilities along the East Coast, with its iconic central building showcasing architectural artistry. Dating back to 1854, the library originated as a two-room schoolhouse before relocating to its first purpose-built location on the east end of Boylston Street.

Since then, the Boston Public Library has been a milestone in many ways: It was the first large free municipal library in the United States, the first public library to lend books, the first library to have a branch, and the first facility to house a children’s room.

Sign the pledge to vote for libraries!

8. National Archives and Records Administration

While not strictly a library, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is an independent agency of the US government that preserves important historical records. Additionally, NARA aims to make these documents accessible to the public, becoming part of the National Archives.

For example, NARA maintains the Charters of Freedom, including the original US Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Emancipation Proclamation. The Charters of Freedom can be viewed in person at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC.

9. George Peabody Library

The George Peabody Library is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. It was initially founded as the Peabody Institute in 1857, when Massachusetts philanthropist George Peabody dedicated it to the city of Baltimore.

The library, designed by Baltimore architect Edmund G. Lind and opened in 1878, is a vital academic resource for Johns Hopkins University. It houses three hundred thousand volumes of research materials.

10. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University

Located at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library houses one of the world’s largest rare book collections. Constructed in 1963, its materials are organized in “stacks” enclosed in six stories of glass towers.

The library’s design ensures the safety of its delicate materials by preventing direct sunlight and absorbing the warm hues of exterior light inside the building. It now serves approximately 7,000 students, 3,000 researchers, and 150,000 visitors annually.

The United States has numerous interesting and distinctive libraries. Consider adding a library to your summer vacation plans!

Visit www.everylibrary.org to learn more about our work on behalf of libraries. 

#librarymarketers: Enjoy this story? Want to use it for your library newsletter, blog, or social media? This article is published under Creative Commons License Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International and is free to edit and use with attribution. Please cite EveryLibrary on medium.com/everylibrary.

This work by EveryLibrary is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0