The most beautiful libraries in the world -

Libraries are one of the cornerstones of modern society, and though technology continues to change, libraries have not lost their importance.

Take a look through the gallery to see the incredible libraries around the world which are famous for their architecture or historical significance.

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Joanina Library, Portugal - The Joanina Library is located in the University of Coimbra, built in the 18th century by King John V of Portugal.

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Joanina Library, Portugal - This late Baroque library is recognized as one of the most original and spectacular libraries in Europe. Its architecture and decor attract the tourists who visit this student town.

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The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading, Brazil - This beautiful library is located in Rio de Janeiro.

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The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading, Brazil - It was inaugurated in 1887, and holds the largest collection of Portuguese language literature outside of Portugal.

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Library of the National Palace of Mafra, Portugal - One of the gems of the historical city of Mafra, the library is located inside the palace. It has marble floors and Rococo style bookshelves with a collection of more than 36,000 books and leather-bound, gold-engraved manuscripts.

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Library of the National Palace of Mafra, Portugal - Work began on the library in 1717. The finished product was a luxurious library and one of Portugal's biggest attractions.

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Beitou Library, Taiwan - This ecologically friendly library in Taipei first opened in 2006.

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Beitou Library, Taiwan - Its environmentally conscious design means the building consumes less energy, and even has a rainfall collection system which provides water to flush the toilets.

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El Escorial, Spain - This impressive renaissance-style library, founded by Philip II in a monastery, is located in San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

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El Escorial, Spain - The library is as fascinating outside as it is inside, especially for the luxurious architecture and magnificent painted ceilings.

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Stuttgart Library, Germany - This nine-story cube-shaped building contains one of the world's most impressive libraries.

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Stuttgart Library, Germany - It was designed by Eun Youn Yi and is notable for its modern, futuristic design.

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Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Egypt - This fantastic library was built to honor the memory of the original library of Alexandria, which was destroyed over a thousand years ago.

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Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Egypt - The modern library was inaugurated in 2002, and the building also includes four museums, four art galleries and a planetarium.

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Biblioteca Vasconcelos, Mexico - The spectacular Biblioteca Vasconcelos in Mexico City was inaugurated just over a decade ago.

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Biblioteca Vasconcelos, Mexico - Its incredible design features transparent walls and interconnected walkways, making it one of the most impressive libraries in the world.

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Trinity College Library, Ireland - Located in Trinity College, Dublin, this is the biggest library in Ireland. You may recognize the Long Room as the setting of numerous movies.

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Trinity College Library, Ireland - The library receives over 100,000 publications a year and has more than four million books. As well as the variety of books, it stands out for its gorgeous architecture.

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Clementinum Library, Czech Republic - The Clementinum, an historic baroque-style building, has been home to the Prague National Library for more than two centuries.

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Clementinum Library, Czech Republic -

The library was built by the Jesuits and is home to more than six million documents, as well as 20,000 works of theology and medicine. It's a fascinating visit for lovers of literature and architecture.

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Admont Abbey Library, Austria - This impressive library sits in the small Austrian town of Admont and is the world's biggest monastic library. Nowadays it has over 180,000 works, including 1,400 manuscripts, ancient volumes and original editions of rare works.

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Admont Abbey Library, Austria - The building was designed by architect Josep Hueber. The ceiling features paintings by Austrian artist Bartolomeo Altomonte. It's worth a visit to appreciate the style from 1776.

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John Rylands University Library, England - The John Rylands University Library is the center for information at the University of Manchester.

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John Rylands University Library, England - The library as it is now known was opened in 1972 as a merging of the University of Manchester with the John Rylands University. But the John Rylands Library originally opened in 1900. Today, it has a wide range of academic services and research that visitors can see.

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Musashino Art University Library, Japan -

The incredible design of the Musashino Art University is what makes it stand out.

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Musashino Art University Library, Japan -

The library in Tokyo was inaugurated in 2010, and is open to visitors with an advance booking.

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Stockholm Public Library, Sweden - Located in a Swedish classical building from the 1920s, it was designed by Gunnar Asplund and opened in 1928 with Prince Eugene as a guest.

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Cuypers Library, the Netherlands - In the heart of the Rijksmuseum you can see the biggest and oldest art and history museum in the Netherlands. Visitors can see the incredible 19th century reading room, as well as rows and rows of shelves teeming with books.

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Cuypers Library, the Netherlands - Academics, art historians and tourists from around the world visit this place and are stunned by the architecture and huge variety of books on offer.

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New York Public Library, United States - Right in Manhattan is one of the US' most important libraries.

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New York Public Library, United States - The building has been used in films like 'Ghostbusters,' 'Spider-Man' and even the series 'Sex and the City.'

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George Peabody Library, United States - Found in the Johns Hopkins University, this library has over 300,000 volumes inside.

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George Peabody Library, United States -

It was designed by architect Edmund Lind in 1860. The building is full of black and white marble, iron decorations, and five floors supported by golden columns.

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