Never mind that old adage about judging a book by its cover: the way a library is designed makes an undeniable difference for its patrons. Here are 20 of the nation's most picturesque.
Although libraries function first as repositories for books and other materials, Megan Barber writes, "they also serve as places to study, research, and contemplate." In the digital age, their uses are expanding even further. It's no wonder many of them (though not all, sadly) have been designed with uplifting or thought-provoking aesthetics in mind.
From modern constructs like Rem Koolhaas' Seattle Central Library to iconic spaces like the New York Public Library's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Barber gives us a rundown of architectural explorations of the form.
The list includes a wide variety of styles from the contemporary Billings Public Library, completed in 2015, to Seattle's cathedral-esque Suzzallo Library or the strikingly Brutalist Geisel Library at the University of California San Diego. Whether you're an architecture aficionado or a bibliophile (or both), check it out.
FULL STORY: The 20 most beautiful libraries in the U.S.
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Public Libraries May Be More Relevant Than Ever
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Dallas Doesn't Deliver on Promised Libraries
In 2006, Dallas voters approved a bond package that promised $42 million for new libraries. Ten years later, and after $11.75 million in spending, none of the projects are close to completion.
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National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
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Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
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