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If you’ve traded in your book for a kindle or you’re completely convince that technology have taken over our need for libraries, you might just change your mind after you encounter these sanctuaries of the written word. Not only are they beautifully designed, their masterfully created structures and amenities channel our imaginations just like the stories that unfold in the pages of their extensive collection of books. So ditch the electronic devices and head to these six immaculate libraries that transform a trip to the library an eventful adventure.

Spain: The Library of El Escorial

A visit to The Library of El Escorial may make you break the first rule of library etiquette — to be absolutely quiet.  That’s because the exquisite paintings that decorate The Library of El Escorial are so beautiful, you’ll be compelled to gasp in utter awe. Beautifully adorned in Spanish Renaissance décor, the intricately painted ceilings blend perfectly with the ghostly statues of Old Testament Kings placed throughout the library.  

Along with the library, El Escorial also contains a church as well as a monastery that preserves the souls of ancient Spanish royalty. If you can image a king ruling an empire from this ancient mansion, then let its century-old exhibits take you on a journey to the past.  Not only are captivating stories found within the books housed here, El Escorial conceals ancient legends found on every corner of its mysterious halls.

Washington: Seattle Central Library

This library's appeal lies just in much in the slick lines of its construction than the myriad of books found inside. That’s because its architecture have broken new barriers with its high-tech and innovative features.  Appearing like a spacecraft that touched down in downtown Seattle, Seattle Central Library’s more than 330,000 square feet is roomy enough to store over 1 million books and more than 400 computers.

The library also contains a parking garage, a Microsoft auditorium designed with theater seats, study rooms, a red hallway and much more. And if the kids are with you, there’s a children center to keep them preoccupied until you’re finished studying or searching for that must-have book. Called “the first library of the twenty-first century" by The New Yorker, taking a trip to this 11-story glass and steel masterpieces is like journeying into the future.

Germany: Wiblingen Monastery Library

A step into this monastery takes the visitor back to Germany’s Benedictine monks who once roamed through its elegant halls.  However, it wasn’t until the 1700s that this stylish foundation underwent a major facelift that made its Rococo décor a cherished treasure of Germany.  In the presence of the Wiblingen Monastery’s library, which is a work of art in its own right, even the wide spectrum of books appear like historic fragments of the monastery. 

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Visitors are swept off their feet by the colossal columns, baroque white statues standing at attention, and the unspoken vision of the architect who wanted the Wiblingen Monastary’s library to be a place where the “treasures of wisdom and science” were preserved.  You will want to savor the vision of its artistic designers by admiring the library’s opulent style.

England: Library of Birmingham

Dubbed the largest public library in Europe, you’ll definitely want to take a look inside this interesting building. Its exterior alone speaks volumes, with stunning silver and gold embellishments as well as intertwining metallic rings that reflect the sunlight so brilliantly, onlookers will be forced to enter its doors. 

Once inside they are greeted with a music library, health center, a library for children, amphitheater, and treasured collections. With 10 floors that are full of surprises, the Library of Birmingham ensures that this trip to the library offers no ordinary experience. And with performances and art galleries galore, it may be quite difficult to remain hush here.

 China: Library at Liyuan

In true Chinese fashion, the Liyuan Library is an architectural gem that perfectly blends into its mountainous surroundings.  Its exterior is created from thousands of sticks that specifically provide a serene ambiance for reading, which also gives the library a chic appearance.

Located a couple hours away from the busy city of Beijing, the Library of Liyuan is far enough to give visitors the peacefulness they need to escape with a good book.  And with an architectural design that’s solely set on creating a space adorned in neutral colors and light pallets, and natural beauty so pleasant, you may never want to leave.

Japan: Kanazawa Umimirai Library

6,000 holes placed strategically through the exterior of the Kanazawa Umimirai Library allow the building to filter the sun’s light. But aside from its state-of-the-art design, it creates a one-of-a-kind experience that will make anyone want to get a library card here.  

Constructed with automatic shelves and cozy spaces ideal for a social hangout, the library makes huge feats while taking giant leaps into the future to transform a regular day at the library into an unforgettable event.  Not only might you be obliged to enjoy the exquisite modernity of this dynamic masterpiece, you may event want to sit and finish reading a book in its entirety.

Ready for more vacations that expand your mind along with your horizons? Check out 7 Amazing Transportation Museums. While you're in Germany checking out the Wiblingen Monastary, we've got a few more great sites to see in Deutschland.