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The Bodleian, Oxford - Summarizing The Bodleian involves stacking superlatives. Firstly, it’s one of the oldest libraries in Europe. What’s more? It’s one of the largest libraries in the UK, second only to the British Library.

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The Bodleian, Oxford - With some strict rules and preserved historical status, you’ll need to pick up a reader card for a chance to get lost in the Bodleian. However, with 12 million works to enjoy, we’d say that it’s worth it.

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Chetham’s Library, Manchester - Found between Manchester’s River Irwell and Cathedral Gardens, Chetham’s Library is known as the oldest free public reference library in the UK. Established in 1653, the age-old library is a top scholarly center.

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Chetham’s Library, Manchester - With over 100,000 volumes of books (more than half published before 1851), Chetham’s collection is expansive to say the least. There’s also a unique painting collection, with portraits of revered reverends of a time past.

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The Codrington Library, Oxford - The Codrington supplies around 185,000 books to the University of Oxford’s All Souls College. Around a third of the library’s collection was produced before 1800. The library’s just as old, being established way back in 1751.

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The Codrington Library, Oxford - The Codrington specialises in Law, Military History and classic works, among others. You’ll have to apply for an appointment, but the building’s rich history and sprawling collection make it worth it.

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John Rylands Library, Manchester - The neo-Gothic John Rylands Library has been open for over 100 years. The building was merged with the University of Manchester library back in 1972, combining special collections in the Deansgate building.

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John Rylands Library, Manchester - At John Rylands, there’s medieval manuscripts, biblical papyruses and even the first edition of James Joyce’s ‘Ulysses’ to inspect. With one of the UK’s largest collections and open doors to library readers and visitors, John Rylands is an essential stop in Manchester.

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Liverpool Central Library, Liverpool - Liverpool’s largest library is located slap-bang in the center. There’s a beautiful bright atrium, courtesy of a looming skylight that looks over several adjoining buildings. Head to the roof terrace for modern looks, whilst the Picton Reading Room brings you back to Liverpool’s 20th-century heyday.

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Liverpool Central Library, Liverpool - Central’s Oak Room and Hornby Library showcase rare books and acclaimed collections. Elsewhere, there’s rare archives that tell the city’s story and an easy-to-browse interior layout.

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Wren library, Cambridge - Perhaps the oldest on this list, the Wren Library opened in 1695, and has since become a staple for book enthusiasts. There’s over a thousand medieval manuscripts, Shakespearean collections and even Isaac Newton’s annotated research books. The sprawling collection can be explored online.

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Wren library, Cambridge - Visiting readers should book an appointment for a session in the Wren Library. To admire the library’s linewood carvings and wide windows, and a chance to get some academic reading, it’s worth the effort.

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Glasgow School of Art Library, Glasgow - Housed in one of Glasgow’s most famous buildings, the Glasgow School of Art Library has stored great work since the 19th century. Despite being ravaged by a fire back in May 2014, the building’s restoration is steadily reforming the incredible library.

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Glasgow School of Art Library, Glasgow - You’ll need to sign up as a member for a chance to peruse this library. But a comprehensive collection of both art history and modern works make it worth it for any Scottish art scholar.

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Central Library, Croydon - Located at Croydon Clocktower, this library is a popular attraction thanks to its archives and local studies collection.

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Central Library, Croydon - Central Library specializes in books in different community languages. There's also reference materials for open university and undergraduate courses.

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Library of Birmingham, Birmingham - Find the Library of Birmingham on Broad Street, sitting comfortably next to Baskerville House and the Birmingham Rep. The high-tech center was opened in 2013, viewed as the City Council’s flagship achievement.

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Library of Birmingham, Birmingham - The library is stuffed with internationally significant collections, including the Charles Parker archive and the Boulton and Watt archives. It’s also got a stunning design, with swirling rotundas and a niche use of natural light inside. So much investment in the structure made it 2015’s 11th most popular visitor attraction in the UK.

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National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh - Scotland’s largest library has a whopping seven million books in its comprehensive collection. The large-scale structure is amazing to browse, with modern classics and a few legendary works. There’s letters from Charles Darwin, Shakespeare’s First Folio and copies of the Gutenberg Bible.

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National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh -

The National Library of Scotland also hosts impressive events and exhibitions. Its free permanent exhibition, 'Treasures of the National Library of Scotland,' offers a deep look into Scotland's history and culture.

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Newcastle City Library, Newcastle - Newcastle’s main city library is a glass box that encases thousands of books to browse. There’s six floors to explore, including computer rooms and a children’s library.

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Newcastle City Library, Newcastle - Replacing the old site on New Bridge Street, the revamped City Library was opened in 2009. Adorned with limestone floors and specially-designed furniture, it’s a special center even for a kickback after a long day.

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British Library, London - Where to begin? The British Library is the UK’s national library and the largest library in the world, in terms of its catalogue. For the chance to browse over 150 million books from around the world, a trip to the British Library is essential if you’re in the capital.

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British Library, London - Established in 1973, the library’s design is incredible. There’s bronze sculptures, smoked glass walls and endless rows of awe-inspiring literature.

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Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library, Norwich -

Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library is a prominent public library known for its extensive collection and modern facilities. Situated within the Forum, which is a landmark building in the city center, the library offers vast resources, including books, digital media, and local archives.

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Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library, Norwich -

It frequently ranks among the most popular public libraries in the UK, and provides cultural activities, providing a welcoming space for learning, research, and creativity.

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Peckham Library, London - The strikingly modern Peckham Library won the Stirling Prize for Architecture in 2000. Since then, the building has established itself as a bustling library and community building in South London.

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Peckham Library, London - Around half a million visitors visit Peckham Library every year. Why? Presumably it’s the wide range of borrowable books, along with the structure’s modernist design that draws crowds. Peckham Library is more than worthy of a peek-in from visitors in the area.

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The Maughan, London - Principal research library to King’s College London, the Maughan Library (pronounced “mawn”) used to be the HQ for the Public Record Office. Since 2001 though, it’s become the largest new university library in the country since World War II.

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The Maughan, London -

Visit The Maughan for journals, magazines, newspapers and even archived sound recordings. But don’t get it misunderstood, the library also boasts a collection of around 750,000 books. You’ll need to sign up for a visit, but the Maughan’s iron-strong reputation makes it more than worth it.

See also: Read up on the world's strangest libraries

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