World's Wonderful Libraries How cool can libraries be in an era of iPads and Kindles More than you think.Only if you know where to go. Central Library The Central Library in Seattle,United States is modern and sophisticated. The building is an impressive work of art, which has has tourists from around the world paying visits and taking tours. The library offers free self-guided cell phone tours, along with group tours. The library holds various art exhibitions, book signings and other events throughout the year. Open: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m-8 p.m, Friday-Saturday 10 a.m-6 p.m, Sunday noon-6 p.m Trinity College Library The Trinity College Library in Dublin is the oldest library in Ireland, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. Not only is the exterior impressive, it boasts the largest single chamber library in the world, also known as the Long Room, which contains more than 200,000 of the library's oldest books. Various exhibitions and tour are available; admission 9(US 12) Open: Monday-Wednesday 9:30 a.m -5 p.m, Tuesday 9:30 a.m -9 p.m, Saturday 9:30 a.m -1 p.m, Sunday closed. Bibliotheca Alexamdrina The Bibliotheca Alexamdrina is the revival  of the ancient Royal Library of Alexandria, which was the largest and most influential library in the Greek world. It was built by Alexander the Great some 2, 300 years ago. The new library was reborn in 2002 on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea after 10 years of designing, planning and construction. Along with the standard libraries, there are four museums covering science, Arabic Calligraphy, the history of printing and the Greek art. Open: Saturday-Thursday 9 a.m- 4 p.m. Stuttgart City Library The Stuttgart City Library is controversial. Some say it's innovative, while others say it doesn't match its environment. Nevertheless, the library is one of the most interesting buildings in Germany. The design of the cubic facility was influenced by the ancient Pantheon in Rome. It serves as a multi-story meeting space that draws natural sunlight through the roof. Open: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m--9 p.m What is special about the Bibliotheca Alexandrina?
It took 10 years to rebuid It is the most influential library in the world It has four museums covering all sorts of art It used to be an ancient royal British library