The thread about brutalist architecture got me thinking about school libraries. I think Hogwarts-esque libraries are super cool, and they definitely add points to the college for me. So, where are the coolest, most picturesque libraries you have seen? Bonus points if it is easily accessible for students, and not like the Riggs library at Georgetown which is closed to the student body
Some that come to mind are obviously the George Peabody library at JHU and Suzzallo at UW. The Bapst library make a big impression on me at our Boston College tour.
This one is maybe not the most beautiful but found it pretty cool. The new Charles library at Temple. We toured this one as well and it was impressive inside.
Just seconding the Michigan Law Library in the Hogwartsy category.
For cool in a different way, the Beinecke Rare Books Library at Yale is a classic, with the translucent marble and “kill you if trapped inside during a fire” stacks:
Perhaps not “cool” but regarded as one of the best college libraries in the country, and was used as a model for a number of them (I know this because my kid actually took people on tours for this reason when it first opened)…Santa Clara University Library and Learning Commons. It also fits in very nicely with the architecture of the school. But the interior is designed to be very very usable for many things.
My son has really enjoyed Syracuse’s small Carnegie Library his first semester. While he was walking his schedule with us the first day on campus, he found a favorite chair. He’s made a habit of taking a daily nap in that chair. I don’t think he goes to the big (brutalist ) library much.
) library much.
