Flavorwire

[Editor's note: Flavorwire is counting down our most popular features of 2010. This post comes in at position number 7. It was originally published November 22, 2010.] Most roundups of beautiful libraries focus on what’s inside. And while we love vaulted ceilings and overflowing bookshelves as much as the next guy, we’d argue that the facades are just as important. From futuristic steel-and-glass structures to early American structures steeped in design history, here are ten public libraries that prove that free books and internet access don’t need to be the only reason you visit these architectural gems.

Berkeley Public Library. Designed by James Plachek