Photographs selected by Donny Bajohr Text by Tracy Scott ForsonThe purpose of libraries is to archive and store books, but with ceiling-to-floor shelving of often colorful volumes, they sometimes turn out to be works of art themselves. Thats not to mention those libraries with actual paintings covering the walls or sculptures filling grand halls. The books are only one of many reasons to visit these dependable depositories.Around since the seventh century B.C.E., libraries continue to pop up in countries, states, counties, cities and small communities all over the world, evolving to fulfill the needs of their neighbors, while protecting and preserving the past and present, and looking toward the future. Take a look. A beam of light illuminates the striking woodwork, distinct railing and ornate architectural details of the Teylers Museum library in the Netherlands. There are books there, too! Jaap de Raat, Netherlands, 2010 The architecturally stunning main library at the University of California, San Diego, is named in honor of one of the worlds most popular and best-selling authors, Theodor Geisel, who used the pen name Dr. Seuss. James McDonnell, California, 2020 If visitors eyes tire of staring at the many words of books at the Strahov Library in Prague, they can gaze upward at the ornate ceiling where works of art have distracted readers for centuries. Thomas Arnhold, Czech Republic, 2023 Lots of wood, but not many books, grace the walls and spiral staircase of the public Canada Water Library in London. Zhenhuan Zhou, England, 2023 Inside the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, an incredible library with a magical light-dappled environment awaits. Clerio Back, Netherlands, 2023 There arent any books to be checked out at what remains of the Library of Celsus in ancient Ephesus, where more than 12,000 scrolls were once housed, but it still attracts plenty of tourists and readers. Pierre Lorillard, Turkey, 2023 Rows and rows of books line the shelves of a beautiful old library in the Biltmore Mansion. Brad Balfour, North Carolina, 2022 Now known as the Morgan Library & Museum, this Manhattan venue, with its three-story inlaid walnut bookshelves, began as the personal library of financier, collector and cultural benefactor J. Pierpont Morgan. Kayley To, New York, 2022 The Malatestiana Library in Cesena, lined with reading desks, was built in the 15th century and still functions as a public library today. Lorenzo Terraneo, Italy, 2020 The National Library of Brazil in Rio de Janeiro holds much about the countrys culture and heritage. It is one of the largest national libraries in the world and the largest in Latin America. Duo P, Brazil, 2019 In the city of Spijkenisse, the public library is called the Book Mountain. Climbing gear may not be helpful, but a ladder might be useful. Peter van Haastrecht, Netherlands, 2018 The many colorful books at the University of Washingtons Suzzallo Library in Seattle are illuminated with overhead lighting, creating a kaleidoscope of colors. Yatharth Gupta, Washington, 2011 When visiting the Library of Congress, dont forget to look up to view the ornate, colorful ceiling in its Great Hall. Attila R. Kovacs, Washington, D.C., 2020 The library at Trinity College Dublin features busts of great philosophers, writers and men who supported the college, including the clergyman Patrick Delany. Michael McRuiz, Ireland, 2019Get the latest Travel & Culture stories in your inbox.