Stockholm Public Library in Stockholm, Sweden

© Gallery Stock

Stockholm Public Library in Stockholm, Sweden

Established in 1928, the Stockholm Public Library boasts a collection of more than two million volumes. The open shelves of the rotunda, seen here, was a novel concept in Sweden at the time. Architect Gunnar Asplund borrowed the idea from libraries in the US. This innovation allowed patrons to examine the collection on their own, rather than having to ask library staff to retrieve books from a staff-only area. Since today is International Literacy Day, maybe it’s time to visit your local library and find a new read.