From an opulent former cathedral in the Netherlands to a converted palatial theater in Argentina, these are the world's coolest bookstores.
For bibliophiles the world over, great bookstores–which are becoming increasingly rare–are like cathedrals. And then, sometimes, a great bookstore actually is a former medieval cathedral. Or sometimes it’s a converted palatial theater, or an entire urban neighborhood. Whichever the case, these six coolest bookstores from around the world will inspire awe, reverence, and wonder among book lovers and neophytes alike:
The World’s Coolest Bookstores: Selexyz Dominicanen (Maastricht, The Netherlands)
Beneath the vivid medieval frescos and numerous spanning arches, customers at Selexyz Dominacanen are able to seek out books within genuine 13th century architecture. Originally consecrated as a church in 1294, this bookstore underwent numerous repurposing projects—such as being seized by Napoleon and, eventually, becoming a town archive.
The church now stands as a place where book lovers can nestle in alcoves to read among the looming, modern bookcases, or sip coffee at the café where the choir once sang hymns.
Baldwin's Book Barn (West Chester, PA)
Steeped in rustic charm, Baldwin's Book Barn sits nestled in Pennsylvania's Brandywine Valley. The astounding five-story building once stood as an old milking house until it was eventually purchased by the Baldwin family in 1946 to be used as a bookshop. The old family's homey touches are palpable as the staff welcomes all who visit to take their time reading and exploring any of the 300,000 used and antique books offered on their shelves.
Bart's Books (Ojai, California)
Not all books are kept cooped up in stuffy rooms. At the corner of West Matilija St. and Canada St. in Ojai, California, a labyrinth of bookcases can be seen stretching out from beneath the shade of a tin roof.
What once began as a man's way of sharing his excess of books with his community now makes up the largest open-air bookstore in the world. Despite toting a collection nearing one million books, this store chooses to operate on the honor system, allowing patrons to simply select what they're interested in and leave payment of their own volition.
The Jimbocho Neighborhood (Tokyo, Japan)
Whereas the previous locations are no more than single buildings or confined areas, Tokyo's Jimbocho neighborhood boasts more used bookstores than any other location in Japan. This mecca of used books didn't have an easy start, however. After a fire wiped out the neighborhood in 1913, a fresh crop of publishing houses—followed by its famous bookstores—made the area a paradise for writers and artists from all over Japan.
While the majority of these shops carry books that are written strictly in Japanese, there are numerous shops that specialize in foreign titles—mainly English—that are priced rather cheap.
World's Coolest Bookstores: El Ateneo Grand Splendid (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
With the gold of its grand box seats contrasting the scarlet of its stage's curtains, it is no question that even the world's most beautiful bookstores pale in comparison to El Ateno. Transitioning from live shows to film to selling books, this building's elegant grandeur has not diminished since its construction in 1919.
El Ateno produced live shows until the popularity of film ultimately won out. Today, patrons and book lovers are free to browse El Ateno's overwhelming selection, as the sweet melodies of its live pianist drift over the bookcases—a nod to its theatrical past.
World's Coolest Bookstores: Trinity Library (Dublin, Ireland)
Ok, it's a library, not a bookstore--you wouldn't be able to afford these books anyway. While many of its 200,000 volumes are kept safe behind velvet ropes, the Old Library of Trinity College is home to some of the oldest books in Ireland, their ancient pages far too delicate for a hand's touch. In addition to being able to walk through the library and explore Ireland's complex literary history, visitors are actually allowed to read a handful of the books.
The library also provides visitors with an opportunity to view one of Ireland's greatest treasures (and one of the most well-known medieval manuscripts): the Book of Kells.
Though the book's date of creation remains a mystery, the Book of Kells became well known for its abstract and complex illustrations depicting the life and teachings of Jesus. While copies of the book's famous, illustrated passages can be found sealed in protective sleeves, the original book is on display for all to view.
