Most Beautiful Public Libraries In DC
Lifestyle
We already know that DC is a city steeped in such history and lore. So does it really come as a surprise to anyone that it also happens to be home to some of the best (and most beautiful) libraries our country has to offer? Didn’t think so. Whether you’re conducting a research project or looking to fill your day with stunning study vantages, you’ve come to the right place.
Keep reading for our list of the most beautiful libraries in DC today!
#1 Library Of Congress: We just couldn’t help but put this mainstay on the list. The Library of Congress is known as one of the largest libraries (and tourist attractions) in the world. Its universal collections, spanning three buildings on Capitol Hill, feature more than 170 million items written in 470 different languages from all around the globe, including millions of books, photographs, newspapers, manuscripts, maps, films, sheet music and sound recordings.
#2 Folger Shakespeare Library: Housing the world’s largest Shakespeare collection, the Folger Library is the ultimate resource for anyone interested in the works and the life of the great writer for which it’s named. It also features a significant collection of Renaissance books, manuscripts, and other items. This iconic library was opened in 1932 by founders Henry and Emily Folger, and is still actively working to enhance its collection with new materials every day.
➤ Check out more “Best of” DC posts here:
#3 Shaw Neighborhood Library: Built for adults, teens, and children alike, this library features separate reading areas for each group along with a children’s program room, eight Mac computers in a teen space, and two 12-person conference rooms. Architecture firm Davis Brody Bond Aedas was behind the designs of the glassy library, which opened more recently in August 2010. A few of the awards that this library has won include the National Association of Contractors and Builders Proclamation Award in 2010 and the AIA DC Award for Merit & Presidential Citation for Sustainable Design in 2010. Wall Street Journal also listed the structure as one of the top buildings of 2010.
Seeking more noteworthy sights in Washington, DC? Check out our list of the city’s best art galleries here!
#4 National Gallery Of Art Library: Scholars from all around the world descend on DC to visit the National Gallery of Art for its library, with the goal of scouring its image collections, rare books, auction catalogues, and microforms to find whatever they need. It opened the same year as the museum, in 1941. In 1979, the library moved into a seven-story facility in the Gallery’s East Building. Since then, it has continued to serve the Gallery’s staff, visiting scholars, and other researchers in the community with over 400,000 books and periodicals available.
#5 Riggs Library: Riggs opened in 1891 and is one of the few surviving cast iron libraries in the entire nation, according to the Georgetown University website. For almost 80 years after its opening, the structure served as the main library for Georgetown University. Now, while still functioning as a library, the space also serves as a coveted reception hall. Fittingly, the architect behind the structure was Paul Pelz, the same architect we have to thank for the Library of Congress.
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