Few book lovers can resist the lure of a beautiful library and two of Australia’s most enchanting literary dens are set to attract more visitors after making the top 10 of a global competition.
The 1000 Libraries Awards – run by literary travel website 1000 Libraries – nominated 20 exceptional libraries across the world and invited people to vote for those they found the most beautiful over what it described as “60 days of intense competition”.
The Library of Trinity College Dublin, often compared to the Hogwarts library from the Harry Potter books, took out top spot, while the State Library of South Australia came second.
“If you ever want to know what it’s like to have your jaw drop to the floor, take a stroll through the State Library of South Australia – particularly the famous Mortlock Chamber,” states the awards website.
“It has a gorgeous Victorian design with a long, barrel-vaulted skylight that lends an almost transcendent elegance to this literary space.”
It noted that the library – on Adelaide’s cultural boulevard, North Terrace – holds a “vast collection” of documents on South Australian history from pre-colonial times to today, and also has “a nice little café to top off a pleasant visit”.
Australia’s oldest public library, State Library Victoria, came seventh in the list, praised for its “stunning neo-classical design”, Corinthian columns and grand portico.
“It is occupying an entire city block in Melbourne and contains around 23 interconnected buildings huddled together over the past 100-plus years,” the awards team said.
“The recent Vision 2020 redevelopment also gave the place a new shine, expanding some spaces and modernising others, blending historic architecture with contemporary design.”
More than 200,000 votes were recorded during the competition, with libraries from seven other countries rounding out the top 10. They include Abbey Library of St Gallen in Switzerland, which traces its roots to the mid-8th century; the exquisitely ornate Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and the 18th-century Admont Abbey Library in Austria, noted as an exceptional example of late Baroque-style architecture.
State Library of South Australia director Megan Berghuis said it was the “cornerstone of South Australia’s cultural and intellectual life” and she was thrilled it had been recognised alongside such iconic libraries as Trinity College Dublin, the Admont Abbey Library and Duke Humfrey’s Library at the University of Oxford.
“It’s also a tribute to the generations of librarians, historians, and community members who have cared for and cherished the State Library, ensuring it remains accessible, relevant, and inspiring for all,” Berghuis said.
The State Library comprises three distinct buildings: The 1861-built Institute Building (which housed SA’s first public library, museum and art gallery), the Mortlock Chamber (which opened in 1884), and its modern hub the Spence Wing.
Berghuis describes the Mortlock as “one of the most loved and remarkable spaces in South Australia”.
Home to about 40,000 books and featuring tiered galleries, study nooks and wrought-iron balconies, it is closed while its carpet is being replaced but will reopen in spring.
Established in 1854, the State Library Victoria is recognised as one of the first free public libraries in the world. It was created as “the people’s university” and, like its South Australian counterpart, the site originally housed other institutions including Victoria’s museum and public gallery.
1000 Libraries said all the places in the top-10 list represented “the enduring power of the written word in our digital age”.
“Each library that made it to the top represents something unique – whether it’s breathtaking historical architecture, innovative modern design, or simply that intangible quality that makes you want to lose yourself among the stacks.”
It has also revealed the winners of its Ten Most Beautiful Bookstores in the World. Sadly, no Australian outlets made the list, but bibliophiles will find plenty of inspiration for enticing bookshops to visit in countries including the Netherlands, Argentina, Britain, China and the US.
Live News
