Libraries are places of wonder, discovery, and education that are free for all to explore. Some libraries have a specialty, some are housed in beautiful buildings, and yet others tote amazing collections of novels, papers, and histories of our world.
All the best stories start in libraries. You never know what you’ll find—maybe a mystery between the ear-marked pages of a well-loved book or an adventure within the sprawling book-lined corridors. Either way, your local library houses a whole world of possibilities!
Each and every state in the United States has one library that outshines the others. These buildings break the mold and provide an amazing space for all to enter. What library from your state made the list?
Alaska: The Juneau Memorial Library
The Juneau Memorial Library hosted the July 4, 1959 Statehood Ceremony where the 49-star flag was first flown in Alaska and still flies today. Here are the most popular tourist attractions in every state.
California: UC Berkeley Library system
By number of volumes, the UC Berkeley Library system has the fourth-largest university collection in America. Speaking of, here is the coolest hidden gem in each of the 50 states.
Delaware: The Wilmington Public Library
The Wilmington Public Library is a historic landmark that has been standing since the 18th century. Here’s the most iconic book set in every state!
Hawaii: Hawaii State Library
Hawaii State Library, known for its beautiful Greco-Roman style architecture, is the flagship library of the only statewide library system in the nation.
Indiana: The Theodore Hesburgh Library
The Theodore Hesburgh Library at Notre Dame features a mural commonly referred to as “Touchdown Jesus” for it’s location directly behind Notre Dame’s football stadium’s north end zone.
Iowa: The Iowa State Law Library
The Iowa State Law Library is located in the Capitol building in Des Moines. Check out the best free tourist attraction in each US state.
Kentucky: The Main Library of the Louisville Library System
The Main Library of the Louisville Library System was constructed in 1906 thanks to the generosity of steel magnate and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie.
Maryland: The George Peabody Library
The George Peabody Library in Mt. Vernon serves The Johns Hopkins University and is considered one of the most stunning libraries in the world.
Minnesota: The Minneapolis Central Library
The Minneapolis Central Library won the 2009 AIA/ALA Library Building Award.
Mississippi: The Jackson District Library
The Jackson District Library has roots tracing back to 1863, when the Young Men’s Association was formed. When the library opened in 1865, it only had 239 donated books.
Missouri: St. Louis Public Library
The AIA gave the St. Louis Public Library a National Honor Award for its breathtaking restoration in 2014. These are the most misspelled words in each state.
Montana: The Hearst Free Library
The Hearst Free Library has preserved its stunning turn of the century interior design, full of dark mahogany and velvet upholstery.
New Hampshire: The Phillips Exeter Academy Library
The Phillips Exeter Academy Library has been repeatedly awarded for its modern design.
New York: The New York City Public Library
The New York City Public Library has the second-largest literary collection in the United States, surpassed only by the Library of Congress.
Ohio: The William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library
The William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library at Ohio State University won the 2011 AIA/ALA Library Building Award.
Oklahoma: The Bizzell Memorial Library
The Bizzell Memorial Library at Oklahoma University is a gorgeous brick, columned building with an imposing clock tower. These are the best free tourist attractions in every state.
Pennsylvania: The Free Library of Philadelphia
The Free Library of Philadelphia has one of the greatest rare books departments. It has objects including the raven that inspired Edgar Allan Poe’s poem.
South Dakota: The Hilton M. Briggs Library
The Hilton M. Briggs Library at University of South Dakota features stunning, floor-to-ceiling windows so that students may read and study by natural light.
Utah: The Salt Lake City Public Library
The Salt Lake City Public Library is a futuristic development that won Library Journal’s ‘Library of the Year Award’ in 2006.
Washington: Western Washington University’s Library
Western Washington University’s Library is located in the picturesque, quaint and forested town of Bellingham.
Wyoming: Huff Memorial Library
Huff Memorial Library perfectly compliments the surroundings of Wyoming’s Rocky Mountains. Next, check out the best-kept secret in every state.