I have a keen interest in libraries. (hmmm…wonder why that is…) So, this week, I’m bringing you links to 13 Very Cool Libraries. Obviously, there are many more than I could ever list here, so please let me know about any cool libraries you are familiar with.
13 Libraries of Coolness:
1. The Library of Congress – If you have an American history project of some sort, check out their American Memory project.
2. Trinity College Library, Dublin – Home of the Book of Kells.
3. The British Library – Home of the Magna Carta, and you can read it online.
4. Bibliothèque nationale de France – They have a whole exhibition on the topic of King Arthur. (Mind you, it helps if you can read French, but they do offer a great deal of English translation.)
5. The National Library of Scotland – You can read the Last Letter of Mary Queen of Scots on their site.
6. Oxford University’s Bodleian Library – Among other things (you know that Tolkien worked at this University, yes?) they have an online exhibition about The Wind in the Willows.
7. National Library of Australia – Among other things, they offer a digital collection of early Australian printed music.
8. Library and Archives Canada – Home of the Canadian Genealogy Center.
9. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) – Among other things, they offer digital access to important American Historical Documents.
10.NYPL – This well known library has, among other things, a digital collection of Native American portraiture.
11. LAPL – Check out the LAPL photo collection.
12. Mariposa County Library – Yosemite Valley Branch
– This tiny library branch may not have a huge collection (though they have excellent access through Interlibrary Loan) but if you live in Yosemite Valley, this place is Heaven on Earth.
13. Fremont Main Library – I’m cool, and I work here, therefore the library is cool. 😉 (We also have all sorts of programs, databases, and even a huge orange stuffed shark.
fremontlibraries.wordpress.com 
Cool list. I’ve been to #1 and #2, but #3 wasn’t open when I lived in London, and I haven’t been back (sigh).
Have a great weekend. 🙂
Orange stuffed shark? I’m there.
You forgot the Carnegie libraries — the world’s first free libraries. Open to the people. Most of who, at the time, didn’t know how to read. But nevermind that! It was a great feat!!!
Ann, I’m very impressed that you’ve been to #2. 😀
I didn’t forget them, Susan. I just didn’t have enough space. There’s a bunch of them. The main library in Sacramento is still using some of their Carnegie library building, for example.
I went to a wedding shower last weekend in an old library…it was beautiful!
The British Library and the French King Arthur exhibit would be at the top of my wish list.
I like number 2. It’s my fantasy library, but I’d like to visit the Fremont libraries sometime because the librarians’ blog is creative and interesting.
Which library, Janet?
I think we need a nice worldwide library tour, julia.
I totally want to visit #2, Brenda. And you should come visit our crazy library too. 🙂