A Bibliophile's Haven

You all know by now how much of an avid reader I am and if you didn't know, then you've just been informed.  I love reading.  I love books. Yes, I have a Kindle, but the Kindle will never replace the feel of a real book in my hand or the smell of the pages and the ink.  It's comforting.  That said, I don't only like reading, but I like collecting books as well - mainly classics and leather-bound books right now.  I don't have the means (time, space, money) at present to follow-through with my little obsession, but I will.

You would think that with my love of books, I would visit the library more often, but I don't.  Don't know why, really, I just don't go.  I have taken to either buying books or borrowing from friends and family (namely, my mother).  I also have my aforementioned Kindle to carry with me.  Yesterday, however, I went to the library for the first time in a long time.  As I sat waiting for my classmate (we were studying for our upcoming Chemistry exam), I took a picture of the entrance because...well...it's gorgeous.

This is the entire front view of the library:

Pretty, right?  I will say the inside looks like any ol' library.

All of this got me thinking about different libraries around the world.  I took a peek on the interwebs and saw that someone else took the time to put together a slideshow of the most beautiful libraries in the world.  You can check that here: A Compendium of Beautiful Libraries Around the World.  However, if you don't want to go cruising around, here are my favorite ones. (Yes, the New York Public Library is not on my list, perhaps because I see it all the time?)

The Seattle Library - Seattle, WA

Look at all that glass and there's a garden inside, too!

The Staircase Library - London, UK

You will never have a problem reaching the top shelf again.

The Sansovino Library - Rome, Italy

It's just...breathtaking

The Trinity College - Dublin, Ireland

The rows of books! This is a bibliophile's dream come true.  I know I could spend an eternity in here and still feel like it's not enough time.

Okay, so I know you're thinking, "But, Ms. Random, what about your own personal library?  Don't you want one?"  The answer to that is: YES!  Right now, I do have a mini-library.  It consists of five big bins full of books, a three-row bookshelf with books spilling everywhere, and some books on the floor next to said bookshelf.  Yeah, I need a real library and fast!  When the time comes, I plan on building one in my home.  Here are some samples of what I would like (courtesy of Architectural Digest).

The open design here allows me easy access to my books, not to mention that no matter where I am, I'd be surrounded by them.  What a glorious thing!

This one is light and airy.  It is its own separate room and I absolutely love the stairs.  I could spend a whole day, week, month in here!

A condo or apartment library, right?  Something to consider, but it does look mighty cozy.

My personal sanctuary?  Looks like it could be, I certainly wouldn't mind being here all day either.

It is my goal in life to have a library in my house.  If I can manage it, I'd be one happy, reading camper. 

So, my readers, which is your favorite library (if you visited the link or from the ones I posted)?  I would love to hear what your opinion!