Welcome to Beautiful-Libraries.com!

There is something indescribably appealing about rooms filled with books, walls lined with well-organized shelves. Many book lovers dream of having such a space themselves, although not everyone has the space (or the desire) to have a dedicated library room in their dwellings.

This site provides inspirational photos and information about libraries around the world, from modest personal collections to the longest-established academic facilities and most ornate
royal libraries. The photos are in no particular order -- I add them as I find them online or in books and magazines.

This site is mostly intended to inspire visitors on the subject of library design, rather than cover the topic of the acquisition of books, which I assume anyone interested in library photos has plenty of already, and doesn't need help in acquiring more of.

That being said, I have included lists of recommended books on the topic of libraries and books, as well as links to practical information about planning your own home library, hands-on bookshelf construction, and how to purchase, store and care for books.

Please feel free to let me know what you think of the site or of the photos, and you are welcome to send photos of libraries, whether of your own library or simply great photos you stumble across. All photos and descriptions to add to the site are appreciated!

I hope you enjoy Beautiful-Libraries.com.

-Beth