Largest Libraries in the World

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Books. Words. Stories. Vivid journeys. To some, this is the entire meaning of their existence. We call them “Book Lovers”! One page after another, one book after another, our lives literally hop in and out of stories and we’re so proud of it, aren’t we?

The world is a generous place for those who read for it has bestowed upon us the finest and the most wonderful libraries of all time! Yes, libraries. A book lover’s paradise, their knight in shining armour, their absolute idea of “Netflix and chill”, their perfect weekend plan and everything else in between!

Now that a smile just bloomed on your face, let us check out top 7 largest libraries around the world and get our travel bucket lists planned already!

These libraries are best known for their collections, diverse architecture, overflowing literature and the soothing vibe they encapsulate around themselves, just like the reader’s way!

Russian State Library, Russia – 44.4 million items

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Operational hours: 9 AM to 8 PM

Capacity: 44.4 million (approx.)

Contents:

• Books
• Journals
• Maps

The Russian State Library was established on the 1^st of July 1862 and it is the fifth largest library in the whole wide world. The storage shelves here store not just books and journals but also maps, magazines, music records and scores. To sum it up, it covers a total distance of 275 kilometres! At least a copy of every Russian publication is available here and the library is situated in Moscow, the capital of Russia. It is accessible to anyone and everyone and is definitely a place you must visit in Russia.

Check out Russia Tourism to know more about other things you can do in Russia. Plan your trip to Russia using Russia Tour Packages!

Library and Archives, Canada – 54 million items

Operational hours: 8 AM to 11 PM

Capacity: 54 million (approx.)

Contents:

• Books
• Photographs
• Canadian Constitution Act
• First Century book by historian Flavius Josephus
• Aboriginal magazines
• Non-fiction and fiction films
• Canadian periodicals

Canada Tourism is boastful of the Library and Archives of Canada for it is the fourth largest library in the world. One unique thing about this massive beauty is that it is supervised and managed by the federal government of Canada. The main idea here is to preserve and protect the rich heritage of Canada through periodicals and documentaries and make it easily accessible to masses. The library was formed after the amalgamation of the National Archives of Canada and the National Library of Canada in 2004.

It is one among the best places to visit in Canada for it houses millions of books, photographs, magazines, periodicals and much more.

New York Public Library, New York – 55 million items

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Operational hours: 8 AM to 9 PM

Capacity: 55 million (approx.)

Contents:

• Books
• Microfiches and microforms
• Music sheets
• Maps
• Photographs and prints

One of the reasons why New York captures hearts is because of the New York Public Library. It is known across the world for its extensive collection of books, music sheets, photographs, maps, prints and much more! Its one-of-a-kind architecture narrates a different story all together. A number of libraries owned by passionate readers and the millennial, both, were brought together to form this enormous network of libraries that is known as the New York Public Library. Along with a number of smaller libraries under the New York Public Library, there are 4 research libraries with branch libraries in Bronx, Manhattan and State Island.

There’s this and so much that New York Tourism has to offer. Check out New York Tour Packages to know more!

Also read: Tourist Attractions in New York City

British Library, England – 150 million items

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Operational hours: 9:30 AM to 8 PM

Capacity: 150 million (approx.)

Contents:

• Books
• Leonardo Da Vinci’s notebook
• Gutenberg Bibles
• Lewis Carrolls’ manuscript of Alice’s Adventures Under The Ground
• Magazines and manuscripts, music recordings and scores
• Patents and databases

The British Library is the second largest library in the world and it proudly show off its massive collection of books, magazines, music recordings and much more to its visitors. Situated in the capital of England, this library is also the national library of the United Kingdom. Visiting the British Library and glancing through stacks and shelves soaring up and above is definitely one of the interesting things you can do in England.

Know more about other places you can visit in England by checking out England Tourism. Book your package today using England Tour Packages.

Library of the U.S. Congress, U.S. – 164 million items

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Operational hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Capacity: 164 million (approx.)

Contents:

• Books
• Ancient Chinese wood-block prints
• Compact discs
• Music records

The Library of the U.S. Congress is the largest library in the world and accommodates research material from all over the world in 450 languages! Located in Washington D.C. since 1800, this library has its own campus along with the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center. Along with abundant literature and reading material, the library has withstood the test of time and damage during the British War of 1812 and sudden fires in 1851. The library then invited diverse forms of literature post the American Civil War and has only grown since then.

U.S. Tourism narrates the Library of the U.S. Congress as a must-visit place in the U.S. Get more information about the same by checking out U.S. Tour Packages.

Also read: Top Tourist Attractions In The USA

National Diet Library, Tokyo – 41.88 million items

Operational hours: 9:30 AM to 7 PM

Capacity: 41.88 million (approx.)

Contents:

• Books and manuscripts
• Doctoral dissertations
• Sheet music and maps
• Electronic archives and journals

The National Diet Library in Tokyo is one among the largest libraries of the world and was established in circa 1948 to discuss the researching matters of public policy of Japan. The library aligns itself to the systems of the U.S. Library of Congress and serves its visitors with various forms of art, music and literature through its 35 branches.         

Make sure you add the National Diet Library to your list of places to visit in Tokyo. Know about the same in Tokyo Tourism and plan your trip using Tokyo Tour Packages.

Also read: Japan – Places You Need To Visit On Your Next Trip

Bibliotheque Nationale De France, France – 40 million items

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Operational hours: 9 AM to 8 PM

Capacity: 40 million (approx.)

Contents:

• Bibliotheque books and manuscripts
• Prints and maps
• Drawings and paintings
• Sheet music and phonograph records
• Medals and antiques

The Bibliotheque Nationale De France is one of the oldest libraries in the world and is situated in Paris. The library houses at least a copy of every French publication and parish book collections. The extensive collection of literature at Bibliotheque Nationale De France majorly discusses humanities. Its size is something you can marvel at for it consists of four 22-story, L-shaped glass scrapers circumnavigating and open square that consists of just books! The numbers exceed 12,000,000 and it is definitely one among the top places to visit in France.

Check out France Tourism to know more about the same and book your package using France Tour Packages for a hassle-free trip!

Also read: Places To Visit In Paris

Walk into a library and get teleported to the world of your choice. Have no conversations at all and smile at the realization of how absolutely interesting this is. Pick your favourite library and let’s get going! Check out International Tour Packages to know more and plan your trips accordingly.