Don’t worry, this post is not some bookish rehash of that Christmas song about giving your true love turtle doves and other random things they wouldn’t want in copious numbers. No, it’s way better than that.
It’s a Top Ten Tuesday all about libraries and Bookshops I’d love to visit, which wasn’t too hard for me since I spend half my life trawling through Instagram admiring pretty book hubs.
1. Shakespeare and Company in Paris
Tucked into to the corner of Paris this homely bookshop is the oldest in Paris and still as quant and beautiful as when it was first built.
2. Aqua Alta in Venice
This library in Venice looks amazing. Complete with Gondola, there’s books stacked in every corner and towering up the walls, a dusty, cramped paradise for any book lover.
3. Starfield Library in South Korea
With floor to ceiling length shelves curving round the library, spotlit and organised, what’s not to love about this South Korean masterpiece.
4. Library@Orchard in Singapore
This library depicts a more modern theme with its white, neat shelves, curving round each other in elegant patterns over in Singapore. And yes, I’ve clearly watched too many home design shows.
5. Admont Abbey Library in Austria
Once a monastery, this beautiful building has been stacked high with books tucked between majestic columns, gold detail and all perched under its beautifully painted ceiling.
6. Carousel of Light in Bucharest
Pristine white columns, hard oak floors, a second story weaving it’s way round it’s hollowed out centre- a breathtaking book store in Bucharest that I’d love to visit.
7. Tropisms in Brussels
Having recently visited Brussels I can attest that the city is full of delicate charm and intricate design, so it’s no surprise that this palace like library found its home there.
8. Ler Devager in Portugal
Stacked high with books and sporting that upper floor balcony I’m really starting to appreciate in books shops, this well snapped shop is a real masterpiece.
9. The British Library in London
Just opposite Kings Cross this library must stock one of every book ever traditionally published in the UK. It’s massive, beautifully domed and majestically built in the heart of London. And a firm favourite with my book obsessed historian of a boyfriend.
10. Hachards in London
We’re getting a little less exotic now but I felt should mention this one. Having been in Piccadilly for two centuries this bookshop boasts being the oldest bookshop in the world. It’s bay windows and Square front have stood the test of time, showing just how popular reading is.
Lets Compare Notes
Have you been to any of these shops? Have I missed any key or magestic masterpieces that house books? Care to share your ttt list? Would love to hear from you in the comments!
Books, Life and Other Oddities 