Man Showcases The World’s Most Unusual Libraries In An Amazing Book.
Yes it is true that we are all living in a digital era. The era of technology, of screens and keyboards, rather than pens and pages. But there are some who agree that there is nothing more timeless than a good book and a good place to enjoy it. Alex Johnson\’s book Improbable Libraries takes us on a journey around the world to see some of the oddest, most intriguing libraries there are.
With libraries spanning from impressive, innovative constructions to portable ones. Mounted on the back of a camel or carried around by a modified cargo bike. Johnson\’s unusual gems are shown off in an effort for their significant role in society to be underlined. As the author characteristically says that \”in a world which is becoming gradually more virtual, physicality will become increasingly valued\”.
via cubebreaker
Libraries are often thought of as quiet, serene spaces filled with rows of shelves stacked with books. However, around the world, there exist libraries that defy this conventional image, embracing quirkiness, innovation, and a touch of the bizarre. From libraries housed in former train stations to ones tucked away in treehouses, these unconventional libraries offer unique experiences for bibliophiles and adventurers alike.
In Tokyo, Japan, there are some unusual libraries, book lovers can discover the eccentric charm of the Morioka Shoten Ginza Bookstore. Unlike traditional bookstores, Morioka Shoten Ginza features only one book on display at a time. Known as the “single room with a single book,” this intimate space invites visitors to delve deeply into the chosen book, fostering a profound connection between reader and text.
For those with a penchant for the supernatural and unusual libraries, the Library of Mist in Shenzhen, China, offers a spine-tingling experience. This library specializes in horror and supernatural literature, with shelves adorned with eerie artifacts and dimly lit corridors that transport visitors into a world of macabre tales and chilling mysteries.
In the heart of Prague, Czech Republic, lies the Klementinum Library, a baroque masterpiece that boasts one of the most breathtaking library halls in the world. What makes this library truly extraordinary, however, is its hidden gem – a secret chamber known as the Philosophical Hall. Accessible only to scholars and researchers, this hidden sanctuary houses rare manuscripts and centuries-old texts, offering a glimpse into the depths of human knowledge.
Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the Biblioteca El Tunal, located in Bogotá, Colombia. This library is nestled within a lush urban park and features sustainable architecture inspired by the surrounding landscape. Visitors can immerse themselves in the serenity of nature while perusing its collection of books, fostering a harmonious relationship between literature and the environment.
Meanwhile, in New Zealand, bookworms can embark on a literary adventure at the University of Auckland’s Special Collections. Housed within a former bank vault, this library safeguards a treasure trove of rare books, manuscripts, and artifacts, including a lock of author Katherine Mansfield’s hair and a first edition of Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species.”
From a library housed in a converted shipping container in Indonesia to a book bar in Bucharest, Romania, where patrons can sip cocktails while browsing literary classics, these unusual libraries celebrate the diversity of human imagination and the boundless possibilities of literature. Whether you seek solitude in the pages of a single book or crave the thrill of exploring haunted corridors, these unconventional libraries promise unforgettable experiences for adventurers and book lovers alike.
