It is an undeniable truth that books are the windows to the world, the sources for knowledge, and the food for our minds. Erudition and creativity of the world masterpiece-makers often start from books. They are simply the luxury for curious souls. And where is a better place to find the sources of knowledge if not a library. It is not only a place where many scholars and intellectuals dig knowledge but also a haven to feed their minds and expand their roots of information.

Therefore, it is just right that libraries are designed in the finest style to best accommodate the needs of visitors as well as the staffs working there. Thankfully, brilliant architects and designers all over the world have presented scholars and knowledge seekers their best masterpieces. Here are 7 extraordinary libraries designed in futuristic style all over the world that every book lover would want to visit.

1. Belarus National Library in Belarus

What now is known as the Belarus National Library is actually a transformation of an old building that was established in 1922. It was Mihail Vinogradov and Viktor Kramarenko who restructured the building in 2006. The library is huge consisting of 22 floors, shaped in unique rhombicuboctahedron form that makes it look like a diamond, especially with its sleek exterior.

Thus, the library is also known as the diamond of knowledge. This amazing work is located by the River Slepyanka and serves as a public library as well as city attraction. At night, the building transforms into an enormous, shining diamond with thousands of colorful lights on its façade.

2. Sendai Mediatheque in Japan

As a country that is well known for its bright reputation in technology, it is not surprising that Japan facilitates scholars with a paramount public library. Sendai Mediatheque is a public library designed by Toyo Ito located in Sendai-shi, Japan. Opened in 2001, the building serves as a cultural media center. The design of the architecture itself is characterized by the transparency presented with glass panels. Supported with metal ribs, these glass panels offer openness. The connection between the architecture and environment is really strong.

For instance, the atmosphere in the library transforms as the season changes. In winter, the tall trees outside the building will drop its leaves leaving only branches while the glass façade reflects the white snows as they fall. In summer the trees will flourish again and the library visitors can simply take pleasure by looking outside the window to witness the lively colors of summer. The library just stands there as the season changes, blending with the mood.

3. Seattle Central Library in United States

The hard-works and dedications put by Architects from OMA + LMN have been paid off upon the completion of Seattle Central Library project in 2004. Spending US $169.2 M, the project resulted in an enhanced library consisting of 10 floors with marvelous look both interior and exterior. Each floor is characterized by openness established by glass doors and windows supported by steel structure that looks like a net.

This library is quite large too as it occupies a total area of 362.987 square feet. The interior has a lively mood due to various vibrant colors while maintaining the sophisticated nuance as well. In addition to its enhanced design, the library also features enhanced technology as it uses digital communication system as well as security system to ensure the visitors convenience and to protect its assets that includes millions of books and journals.

4. Library of Birmingham in United Kingdom

Completed by the great architects from Mecanoo, Library of Birmingham has operated as a public facility since 2013. This haven of books is located in 309 Broad Street, Birmingham, West Midlands B1, United Kingdom occupying an area of 35000.0 square meters. Also called Palazzos Centenary Square, the library is entitled the largest public plaza in Birmingham. Artistic and refined are two words that best described the architecture of the library.

The exterior of the library is characterized by transparent glass façade and delicate artistic skin. Meanwhile, the interior is especially vigorous with circular spaces. Access inside this eight-story building is facilitated with elevators and escalators.

5. Library and Learning Centre University of Economics Vienna in Vienna

Library and Learning Centre University of Economics Vienna is one of the brilliant works of Zaha Hadid Architects. Located in Vienna, Austria, the library’s exterior look immediately catches attentions as it has a distinctive leaning figure with two contrast colors: black on top of white. Inside the building, the interior design is breath-taking. Entering to the library, visitors will pass through the central auditorium that is always illuminated by natural light during bright days. Each level within the library can be accessed through ramps and spiral stairways rising from the ground floor. In addition to its sophisticated architecture, the library has and assets of over 600,000 books, and approximately 100,000 ebooks.

6. Cooroy Library in Australia

It is thanks to the brilliant minds of the architects from Brewster Hjorth that now we can witness one of the greatest library in Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. Completed in 2010 on an area of 1650.0 square meters, Cooroy Library is both a decent place to expand knowledge as well as an amazing work of architecture. Consisting of two curved pavilions, the library is covered by a grass roof. Closeness to the nature is a strong character in the design. For instance, wooden material is widely used for flooring as well as in the furniture.

In addition, a well maintained green garden just outside the main building pleases the eyes of the visitors. Seats are also provided in this garden for visitors to spend their time reading books in the open. The interior, however, is designed in playful and lively nuance filled with vibrant colors.

7. Bishan Public Library in Singapore

Location in 5 Bishan Pl, Singapore 579841 is a stunning building of Bishan Public Library. Standing in an area of 1400.3 square meters, the library is a project completed by LOOK Architects in 2006. The design of the library, according to the architect, is inspired by a tree house. The end result is an appealing architecture with abundant skylights and openness to the environment. The exterior is especially characterized by colored glass cubes sticking out the main structure. These glass cubes give an idea that the library offers private space for those who prefer solitude while diving into their books.