The World’s Most Magnificent Libraries

In this reel, we circumnavigate the globe in search of some of the most unusual and awe-inspiring libraries collecting more than just books. We begin in Alaska at a particularly macabre library checking out preserved and taxidermied animals, head on over to China to kick back in a surreal, infinite reading room, and get whiff of history at the library of smells.
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[@ilurvsharrypotter]

I feel like the Library of Smells would be really amazing for helping those who are losing/lost their memories

[@blaximperia]

It does open the door to a very wide range of modern applications.

[@601salsa]

I hope they are digitising everything as a backup.......

[@bethhollins3556]

@@blaximperia really, like what? What application does the odor of Copenhagen in a bottle have??

[@weareallbornmad410]

@@bethhollins3556 Bringing out memories, as mentioned by the OP. Fighting dementia, and rehabilitation in neurodegenerative diseases. Sensory integration treatment, exposure therapy and as a relaxation technique for those with acute stress (eg. trauma therapy) or serious emotional dysfunction. Coma patients treatment, maybe even waking them up - we still don't really understand coma, and specific neuro-sensory stimulation may well be the key to breaking it. Research. Research in neuro-sensory stimulation, how precise it can be and what effect specific smells can have on human brain and body. Before you say none, or something about aromatherapy being only psychological (which doesn't invalidate it), just remember smelling salts. Education, both in museums and schools; showing children what Middle Ages smelled like, for example. Particularly as a component of a larger installation depicting those times. Education for tolerance and creating an immediate connection with people far away from you; showing ten year olds in London what a Delhi ten year old's life smells and looks like, while also letting them speak with one via a skype-like program, for example. Expanded sensory education for those with one or more senses impared: what does "green" smell like? In similar vein, emotional education for those on the autism spectrum: what does "joy" smell like? It may sound abstract to you, but sense of smell has been proven to have a very strong ability to both bring specific memories and evoke emotions. It has an illustrative and explantatory power beyond direct connections, too. As a part of an art installation, theatre or dance performance. As a component in movies, gaming, and VR. A fancy twist at a fancy fashion show, or some other vip gathering. But also as a sudden awareness hit for political, humanitarian or enviormental activism, particularly imparted on political spaces (such as parliment during a sitting) and in general public, preferably crowded, space. Do you know what it smells like when they bomb your city? I bet US voters wouldn't be so keen to go to war if they did. Or what it smells like when a drone hits during a wedding, as they do. Or what Earth will smell like 30 years from now, those 2 degrees hotter. Or what it smells like right now in a refugee camp in Greece, or in Syria. It's much harder to ignore otheer people's suffering once you get to actually feel it. And smell has an immersive power unparalelled with any other human sense. Is this wide enough for you? Edited to get rid of the double space, it's annoying.

[@Ncraftmate]

the purpose I see it having is on 4d movie making. They can release scent molecules into the theatre in specific scenes. It would be really cool

[@nevillelongbottom106]

I feel like this channel is a sort of library in its own right.

[@norahneo9770]

That is smart

[@matthewcollins4764]

I have a collection of KZbin libraries to go too

[@sybilk9132]

so true!

[@TheMacewell]

then any storage of information could be considered as a library. Each and every person on earth could be considered a library of memories:)

[@rbedi880]

Unfortunately it’s shutting down 😔☹️

[@jennerg1474]

Use that number for a “phone a friend” lifeline

[@pankourlaut]

He might be gone for more than a minute

[@celebritytarotreadings7065]

hahaha!

[@GarretRB]

Big brain moves

[@SeekingtheTruthofGod]

That might actually work lol!

[@KMF3]

Lol

[@Original1Thor]

Smell lady is super cool

[@chanceadomeit4909]

I think she smoked meth and put to much thought into the nose

[@ryotaarai3816]

She is the descendant of Jean Baptiste Grenouille

[@Rabbittomaru]

I think she will be making lotsa purposes with the newest #GoogleNose

[@freepalestine7687]

I am from Iraq. We had one of the most impressive libraries. It was in Baghdad called the house of wisdom. It mean a lot to me if more people knew about it

[@constancemiller3753]

Tell us about it.

[@PandaGraciosa]

YES! Oh my gosh yesssss! We can thank Baghdad for a LOT of scientific and medical advances. Enlightenment who? Doesn’t compare to the golden age of Islam. Not even close

[@kitaboleh9378]

@@constancemiller3753 it was said to be build as round city and in the middle there is a huge " university " and library although there are no confirmation of the exact shape. It also has been said to been the place of pf study and teaching of science and philosophy during Islamic Golden Age. Until it was sadly burned down by the Mongol

[@willy4170]

@@PandaGraciosa all the sage and scientist who made discoveries and innovations were persians, not arabs, who weren’t muslims at all

[@user-rd3jw7pv7i]

@@kitaboleh9378 was? is it gone or something? im genuinely asking

[@Baylaruse]

Wow, I'd love to visit all of these! I adore spending time in libraries. The energy in a library is so comforting, and then, of course, being surrounded by books and all sorts of history is incredible.

[@aus-li]

Sage Mirei But why? I find it the complete opposite. I hate reading books and the smell, too. Plus, it's way too quite!

[@princessthyemis]

YES!

[@undeadwolf5844]

Yeah and with these libaries THERE ARE SOMANY THAT MY MIND NOT COMPREHEND!!!!!!!!!

[@adventureawaits3860]

@@aus-li everyone has a different taste For me The quite of libraries is soothing and the smell of books is really addictive.....Being in a library makes me want to be productive 😊

[@aus-li]

Adventure Awaits Hmm, maybe. But what's "productive" about being in a library? Isn't it hard to communicate?

[@sitdownbehumble8675]

Imagine using scratch and smells in books. In Harry Potter, we could smell the Christmas feast, Madame Rosmerta's butterbeer, or sticky toffee pudding from the Leaky Cauldron. Fresh-baked crackling bread in To Kill a Mockingbird. Minny's fried chicken or chocolate pie in The Help. Or ambiance smells like the Mad Hatter's tea party in Alice in Wonderland, cozy Mr. Tumnus' house in Chronicles of Narnia, or Honeydukes wizard sweet shop in Harry Potter. Would be magical...

[@Jesus-uf7eo]

Wow that's a great idea 🤩

[@veganramen6423]

Not the pie from the help hahah

[@sitdownbehumble8675]

@@veganramen6423 Hahaha omg no, not the "special" pie 😂😂

[@tripwizard123]

I'm a registered librarian and watching this makes me so happy, and so satisfying that people slowly appreciate libraries and throw away stereotypes about our professions and on us.

[@wolfgangevans2561]

I went to the Trinity Library when I was in Ireland a couple years ago, and it's as beautiful in person, and you can smell the leather even from outside the hall

[@StrickenWithFear]

The Irish and the Chinese library were my favorites. They looked so pretty.

[@luminescent__]

SAME here! 🙏 ....Those 2 being the thumbnail was the *ONLY* reason I wanted to watch the video in the first place.

[@ziited5679]

Pwettyyyyyy

[@lauramulhare647]

I'm Irish and I am so happy u said that

[@Rhhhinnn]

Me too. After watching this, I was really tempted to buy a ticket to China just to see the library this video mentioned.

[@no_enerji]

I absolutely love libraries. The architecture, the vibe they have, the sight of the books on multiple shelves, and the easy access to so much information and stories. They’re just so great to look at and be in.

[@wandakay7660]

y'all know I saw the word 'library' and my booknerd butt clicked this video so fast

[@oscarholmhalkjr9770]

wanda kay relatable xD

[@aphr0d]

wanda kay I didn’t know but now I do

[@pritichandrakar1612]

Me also great moment for me

[@gliz2y]

Same I'm such a nerdy peasant, I was like someone say LIBRARY???!!

[@doriangrayapologist]

ikr

[@giannanana9812]

"Do y'all have Fault in Our Stars?"

[@samione]

That chinese library/book store was just mind blowing.

[@bethhollins3556]

I wondered if it was too dark to read in though.

[@kuick6814]

Beth Hollins avid readers can read in really dim light (i can vouch), but it may get a bit uncomfortable. the lighting in that library is on point tho

[@dereko4471]

Yeah if you can read chinese characatures

[@mammontustado9680]

Did you see that reading nook? Totally uncomfortable.

[@mattwang9199]

What did the Librarian say to the other Librarian? Read More

[@mihirkulkarni2606]

matt wang Oops! I accidentally clicked on read more 😂

[@KazukiZX00]

Read More It s a simple spell but unbreakable

[@themartianway]

@@KazukiZX00 quite.

[@KazukiZX00]

@@themartianway yes i messed it up :(

[@marlene042044]

The button doesn't work 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@madisonby2490]

See the only thing is I don't like library's that are like major tourist destinations. If it's so crowded you can't really enjoy something as much. Like I went to the library in New York City for the first time because I live near there and it was crowded and it had no where to sit.

[@darthguilder1923]

I know what you mean, it sort of ruins the purpose. There was an exception when I went to the Art Institute in Chicago, the library in there wasn't too crowded when I saw it (probably because it isn't well-known) I've been going to that museum for years and only recently saw the library. The funny thing is that it isn't intentionally well-hidden or inaccessible, it's just really easy to overlook.

[@madisonby2490]

Darth Guilder My grandma used to live in Brooklyn she would always take the train to that library and it was never crowded same with the New York Cathedral ( forgot the name) people use to just go like normal people living there daily lives. Now everything's overpopulated gosh lol

[@ThePayola123]

MJ Blue That's why the Lord above invented the strategic fart. Beans away...!!!

[@madisonby2490]

Payhole Everdouche Oh gosh lol

[@Original1Thor]

Thas awful!

[@thesunflowchannel1995]

Ok so who owns this channel? Where does the funding come from? Why was this channel created? What is this channel? How come it isn't as big as it should be? I subbed at 20k great job keep up the knowledge!

[@shoushikochou]

They receive funding from CNN i think

[@KMF3]

@@shoushikochou seriously?

[@Ms-ov9uu]

I think you should call 917-275-6975 so Bernard or Rosa can answer those questions for you lol

[@matthewcollins4764]

Idk but it seems legitimate they did a project with Ted-ed I think they have a foundation

[@missjoy2698]

It is owned by CNN

[@fredahsu6927]

11:13 This is definitely Edna Mode''s sister irl. I love it.

[@returnoftheromans6726]

Yasss! I see it! 🤯

[@5mincer]

Would love to get some of those animals to draw them. And when I am finished I could just go and get another one! Amazing for artists.

[@TomorrowWeLive]

Trinity Library is so beautiful. My dream would be to work there someday.

[@Likes_Trains]

you are literally in every comment section

[@raishuveksha7280]

Canuck Crusader Absolutely adore your train of thoughts

[@lauramulhare647]

I'm Irish and I am ashamed to say that I didn't go to trinity college library

[@hemera8156]

@@lauramulhare647 You should, its beautiful. The book of Kells is also really interesting.

[@lemmino1846]

@@hemera8156 trinity college is the most prestigious school in the country.

[@Tei_022]

“The library that checks out dead animals!” Me: oh okay! Also me: *wait a minute-*

[@a-kish8667]

HEAVEN FOR US BOOKWORMS!!!!

[@a-kish8667]

Especially for me with the sculls. :)

[@algomasqueopio]

"I have always imagined Paradise as a kind of library." - Jorge Luis Borges

[@TheMovieSequelDude49]

I gotta admit I laughed when I saw 50 Cent in the Library of Congress.

[@zwayz6405]

3:33 that awkward moment when you realize 50 Cent is part of the history now....

[@lisumaperaly4252]

Zwayz who’s 50 cent?

[@lisumaperaly4252]

Like a president or something?

[@guardianknight5842]

@@lisumaperaly4252 I think he's a rapper or something

[@chimeraproject9481]

How is it awkward?I found it interesting and unexpected

[@tylerspencer3579]

That one debut album sold over 11 million records

[@flala2261]

7:34 Matthew the librarian should be in Hollywood movies, he’s got such a distinct look ✨

[@Janken_Pro]

The Irish library is my favorite. It's just a traditional library of books but my god is it magnificent.

[@nicosarea]

Too bad the Great Library of Alexandria didn't make it to this list.. because it burned down LOL

[@ariannapalandri6168]

too soon

[@fennxfox6241]

Nicosarea I always thought that as the greatest tragedy in ancient history, hundreds of years of records and stories, gone in hardly any time at all. The potential it had was truly remarkable.

[@yongooi9737]

If it was still intact, it would have smelled, looked, and been amazing

[@musxidntty]

I still feel bitter about this

[@StopCopCity1312]

Bie B. Same.

[@ERS556]

I just keep discovering stuff I didn’t even know I liked. Such a great channel !

[@jeninarvaezmelo656]

I frickin love this channel. Always something to educate me showing true for ya learn something new every day...

[@NotSubwayzz]

I love libraries, the Irish one is visually appealing, I love it.

[@djprogramer973]

Oh man, preserved history. It's all just beautiful.

[@thederp6505]

I loled when the head of the music division of the Library of Congress pulled out the magazine for 50 Cent "In Da Club" 3:33

[@AnaJubaida]

I'm amazed how the big library and the so many collections are clean and neat.

[@azuretrio8610]

Hi! I absolutely love your videos! I've been really sick at home the last few days and just watched 30 in a row. They're educational, inspirational, wonderfully edited, and are so intriguing. I've learned so much. My only regret is that I miss a lot. I'm hard of hearing, and KZbin's captionings are only so good. I was wondering if there was some way you could start adding them? I am so grateful. Thank you so much for these and all I've learned. Keep up the good work ❤❤❤

[@amonstrelsunday8297]

Really liked this episode! So much variety. P.S. Apparently someone created my dream library in China already ;_;

[@yongooi9737]

Just imagine the smell of the bookstore. Like with so many books in a small area. Imagine how good it smells

[@thecosmiccookie3815]

Yong Ooi lol i love the smell of books too

[@kxyr28]

loved the ones on the library of congress, the NYPL, and the library of smells! also, what's the answer to the question in 8:03?

[@aus-li]

guardiangelrae My assumption: they probably stuffed them.

[@ms.watakamis947]

the real answer is at the orginal video in the comments

[@allant2344]

300

[@jebbie2595]

*How in the world do they allow people to "check out" these objects? What if a piece is damaged or destroyed? I've always dreamed of visiting the Library of Congress. Just drop me off in there & leave me alone for about 2 or 3 months; that probably wouldn't even be enough time to get to everything! I absolutely love that the Library of Congress still has a Card Catalog! I'd almost guarantee you that 8 / 10 people under the age of 25, maybe a little older, don't know what a Card Catalog is. The Questions Hotline just slayed me!* 🤣

[@jklroxmysox111]

Jebbie You can’t check out most of the stuff mentioned at the Library of Congress. It’s in a collection that you need special permission and credentials to even look at, and they can’t be removed unless for a very special purpose

[@zylffinn9455]

Wow, these libraries are so beautiful. What a good spot for a nap.

[@undomiel972]

I love this :) i really really love this. Thank you as always Great big story!

[@lina5501]

The mirror library is so cool. I wanna go there so badly

[@jessicarodriguez666]

I'm not a teacher, but I would totally check out the stuff out, particularly for figure drawing😊

[@CheapSushi]

The smell one was SOOOO interesting. I honestly never thought about a "library" that way but she explained it so well.

[@thewisdomhunter6494]

Such a great content! I grew up in the library in our small town.

[@habui1609]

The random facts library better have T-Mobile's unlimited plan.

[@chiefpanda7040]

Awesome that's the best. Library ever!

[@havleisk96]

I think this was the best vido so far! It was very very interesting, I loved it! ❤

[@HalfBlindProductions]

I love this channel it fills me with wonder

[@shinozsnow9354]

One of the 2 things I wanted to really be when I was growing up was a Librarian. I love books and knowledge.

[@charlenejo2490]

Katherine Manrriquez What happened to your “librarian” dream? I recently went through library school and I have been applying for jobs. Unfortunately, I haven’t had an acceptance yet.

[@rads3586]

Library of smells is so fascinating. I would love to visit it in Berlin.

[@JFrombaugh]

The Seattle Central Library is one of my personal favorite libraries. With its bizarre 11-story layout that almost looks like it's held up by magic, its modern art displays (including a disorienting hallway that's completely painted red), and the way it combines its traditional collection of books with more modern computer labs and the like, it's truly one of a kind.

[@zahraalqudsi]

I hope someday, i can visit one of these magnificent libraries. Thank you Great Big Story for sharing this! I love this KZbin channel!💙✨

[@JeanneBook]

It's very bizarre but experiencing all this before dying is such a goal in life moment.

[@mikeadkins5000]

that moment you realize the trinity library is the film location for the library in Jedi temple from star wars

[@kaitling6527]

as a lover of reading, libraries and artifacts, I must visit all of these libraries

[@danielnewhouse5044]

You get a blessing for going to the library on Christmas and New Year's Eve.

[@imikimee]

me to myself while watching: "i could live here" 😍

[@darticulate8751]

No white gloves on the book section the library of Congress!..what bloody peasants! Loved the Chinese book shop, lovely interior design, nice one!

[@haroldthemathfish2385]

As @maybemae highlighted, "the gloves have been proven to be bad for the paper and the skin's natural oils keep the pages from drying out."

[@osgabriel20]

I am from Jordan and I would love to visit Washington DC and visit this grand magnificent library it’s a treasure not only for the United States but for humanity, thank you very much for kindly sharing such a lovely illustration of this library

[@SouthernBelleReviews]

Wow!!!!! That first library is so cool!!!

[@_taylor_1604]

Who else has already seen all of these videos separately

[@juanitavinson5790]

U betta watch out for P.E.T.A

[@megmo05]

This video makes me so happy

[@justjulied]

Fascinating! The ending was so interesting!

[@anginapectoris5345]

*Some just want somebody to talk to* Well I can relate to that Definitely saving that number

[@artemis7093]

My gods, the German lady is goals

[@fatemehshahmohammad8191]

THat was ... amazing... the chills... the feels... im in tears , im on a high

[@beatrice25511]

In June I spent three weeks in Dublin with other fourteen boys and girls from my school, on a project made by the EU. We were divided in groups of two or three people and local families host us. There were also two teachers from my school in Italy (they teach Italian and Latin) and with them one day we visited the Trinity College library. I think I had never seen someone as amazed as them when we stepped into the Longroom!

[@tsukkikoi1783]

I FEEL LIKE READING ALL BOOKS EVER

[@cd1051]

The trinity collage library story was cut way too short

[@patamthor4934]

Thanks for this!

[@SeekingtheTruthofGod]

Wow! All of these libraries are so cool! I know about the Library of Congress of course and also the one in Ireland, but I didn't know about the others and they were very interesting and unusual.

[@jevaughn169]

50 cent in the music library dope

[@arielhorseman1104]

Did anyone else ad New York's library ask anything number to their list?

[@gullier1]

this is beyond awesome, thanks

[@feraskiki655]

All of these libraries are really amazing, but the library of scents is the most unique library I have ever heard of. Literally endless applications.

[@princevegeta2723]

What about the citadel?

[@ThePayola123]

Prince Vegeta That's where trans-gendered soldiers are sequestered for further sexperimentation.

[@nincomboob2]

So why is the rare books guy touching all those rare books with no gloves on???? Literally rubbing his finger over the ink.

[@dominicrobertson7626]

I heard somewhere that it's so you can grip the pages properly and not damage them

[@dominicrobertson7626]

That and because the oils in your skin prevents the pages from drying out and cracking

[@emzi_5275]

As long as your hands are clean, you can touch older books if you know how to handle them. Ive been to archives before

[@Mellytriestoshine]

its been proven that touching them with gloves on is actually worse. as long as you have clean hands it should be perfectly fine.

[@lisumaperaly4252]

If you take poop and smear it on your hands I hear that keeps the pages fresh Not true at all....

[@Jaffer-yp3cs]

You would never find a boring video from The great big story

[@robertschlesinger1342]

Nice overview of a few of the great libraries of the world, and an impressive scent collection. I hope you prepare and post a sequel video on other great libraries and collections, such as the world's greatest seed collections and insect collections and film collections and, well, you get the message. Other interesting collections.

[@justaphangirl_5093]

Where have I seen this before??? 🤔🤔🤔

[@Leilallie12345]

Doctor who

[@rosebabo]

Sad that there’s nothing about the Lello library in Portugal... stunning library on which was inspired Harry Potter✨

[@asheshshrestha]

This video is whole another level

[@tarunupadhyay3553]

Great info Great Big Story I Will visit each library someday..

[@gennanam]

4:52 "One of the great things about reading newspapers is that you get a sense of what it's like to be an American". "Mass shooting in Las Vegas" "Mass shooting in Columbine" "Mass shooting in Ohio" "Mass shooting in Texas" "Mass shooting in Virginia" "Mass shooting in California" list continues...

[@literallythefloor5431]

Ota Cat pretty much

[@trivkypeak-eye3557]

@Canuck Crusader calm down,it's just a joke

[@patrickkennedy1247]

Has anyone called and asked any question to nypl

[@brewalker4356]

I asked where bobble heads came from, and got a pretty solid answer in a few minutes. It was kind of amazing lol

[@thewonderlander1372]

Briana Walker where do they come from?

[@bearpawz_]

Now when you call them, they put you on hold while they ask.. "Hey Siri"... (kidding.. 😁)

[@VocalEdgeTV]

Beautifully done.

[@cappuccinocoffee9734]

Imagine the smell of those libraries. I don't but old books and just books in general have a calming, pleasant smell.

[@FoodOscar]

I suggest you go to THE LAST BOOKSTORE in LA. I literally just uploaded a video on my channel

[@monochromeyoshi]

Hello again!

[@macey463]

Isn't this an old video?

[@shwabo0007]

macey no because they mix up videos of related subjects and make a video out of them.

[@Cheekeong2483]

Wow.. So beautiful libraries.

[@waterking74]

I'm really happy comics are in here too its putting a tear on my cheek :'-)

[@biplovebaral8755]

What about the Vatican?

[@ThePayola123]

Biplove Baral No, No, No, No, Nope. There ain't nothing there...!!!

[@mustipunyaemail]

the first copy of the bible in the original language?

[@rebeccamorris2728]

I'm pretty sure you can't go there unless you're invited & have special permission.

[@ishihayahajimagumpara9266]

Sshhhhhhhh illuminati secrets will be revealed shhhh 😂😂😂

[@norhamimiyusof9546]

Unaccessible

[@user-hr2zy7ct8h]

"It's important to have a record of the past so that we know how we came to be where we are today" and that's why the only records you have are no more than 200 years old? seems like a very clever statement when you consider the fact that there were settlements of more than a million people several thousands of years ago?

[@hasnanurulqolby2772]

im so invested in this

[@evanparsons123]

This truly is as the title suggests a magnificent collection of libraries.

[@giovanniwalker4443]

30,000 calls a year isn't much. That's about 8 calls an hour in a 10 hour shift. Your local Pizza hut easily makes more calls than that Lol

[@RahulKumar-ng2gh]

But, it is after a technological revolution my friend, where we have every information on our finger tips

[@joshvente6898]

MAGICAL POOP IS EARLY!

[@garu2539]

Magical Poop hello human when what does your poop look like in the toilet?

[@lisumaperaly4252]

Edou Mamoru it’s green from al these green Gatorade’s I drank yesterday. I smell a hint of lemon grass along with a pungent dip of olivander. About 19 cm long.

[@quirky_geminight]

Wow! This is amazing. ♥

[@magnolia8626]

That library of scents sounds amazing!