Libraries built in the new century that rival the old world splendour

Since the written word, libraries have always been a sanctuary for scrolls, books and manuscripts. Earlier they were just for scholars or the wealthy but as as the knowledge of reading spread and the printing press was invented, libraries became more common.

Libraries have been around for centuries, amassing books from the time they became popular. Many are found in old universities or were commissioned by royals. With their immense size and beautiful timeless architecture, the libraries are works of art as much as the books they contain. In modern times more massive libraries have been constructed and their modern designs rival the old world splendour of the libraries of the past. They are often bigger in size and have elements of design not thought of or not possible until recently. Here are some from around the world:

This library is part of the Musashino University in Japan, though it is open to general public on some days. As it's part of an art university it even has a museum attached.

Photo: mauml.musabi.ac.jp

It contains around 320,000 books and 5,000 titles of academic and specialized periodicals with an emphasis on art and design and has Nara ehon which are handwritten illustrated books and ukiyozoshi which were popular fiction from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

Photo: mauml.musabi.ac.jp

Look at it's unique architecture! And that is only two of the buildings that makes up the whole library. The whole thing includes four art galleries, four museums, and a planetarium.

Photo: bibalex.org

Every bibliophile feels rage at the thought of books being harmed and the burning of the library of Alexandria is one of those scars in our collective memory. However, there is now a The New Library of Alexandria called the New Bibliotheca Alexandrina which is "dedicated to recapture the spirit of openness and scholarship of the original Bibliotheca Alexandria."

Photo: bibalex.org

Opened in 2006, this is an eco friendly library. Though it has traditional architecture, it was made using the best green technology possible. It's design ensures the building consumes less energy.

Photo: eng.taiwan.net

It's roof is remarkable, it is set with power-generating solar panels and it has a rainwater collection system that collects water for use in landscape irrigation and toilet flushing to reduce water waste.

Photo: eng.taiwan.net

This deceptively simple cube houses a beautifully designed library. It was designed by Eun Young Yi, who put a lot of detail into the simple design, if one knows what to looks for. It has the word "Library" in silver letters in English on the west wall, in German on the north, in Korean on the East and in Arabic on the south. The windows all glow blue at night making a lovely sight.

Photo: iStock

Though it seems a slightly-less-than-boring cube on the outside the visual effect of the interior is breathtaking! Radiant white with lots of natural light and books forming an artistic pattern on the stark canvas, it's truly a masterpiece.

Photo: iStock

Biblioteca Vasconcelos in Mexico City is named and dedicated to José Vasconcelos, the philosopher and former presidential candidate and former president of the National Library of Mexico. The outside is grand but the inside is truly where the best of the design is.

Photo: bibliotecavasconcelos.buenavista

The spectacular library boasts a collection of 600 thousand books and collections of multimedia, children's, Braille and music material. It also hosts cultural programs.

Photo: bibliotecavasconcelos.buenavista