From Boston to Miami: The Most Beautiful Public Libraries in the East
From the marble halls of Boston to the coastal charm of Neptune Beach*, the eastern United States offers a rich tapestry of library architecture and history. These spaces remind us that beauty in public libraries comes not only from grand design, but from the communities and cultures they serve. Whether you’re a book lover, history buff, or curious traveler, these libraries are worth exploring in person—or at least bookmarking for your next adventure.
*Yes, I shameless plugged my local library.
Library of Congress
(Washington, District of Columbia)
The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States, located in Washington, D.C. It occupies three buildings on Capitol Hill. Not only is it the largest library in the country, but it is also the largest in the world, with more than 34 million volumes. Nearly half of those are in languages other than English, representing more than 470 different languages.
Each of its buildings is named after a former U.S. President. The James Madison Memorial Building, the newest, opened to the public in 1980. The John Adams Building, adorned with ornate bronze doors, is famed for its beauty and originally housed the library. However, the Thomas Jefferson Building garners the most attention. Opened in 1897, it is known for the Main Reading Room and its embodiment of the “American Renaissance.” Classically trained American artists decorated the building with works that celebrate the nation’s cultural progress.
The Library of Congress also holds the largest rare book collection in North America, including over 700,000 rare volumes. Among them is the largest collection of 15th-century books in the Western Hemisphere.
Boston Public Library
(Boston, Massachusetts)
Located in Massachusetts’s capital, the Boston Public Library is also known as the Library of the Commonwealth. Established in 1852, it was created after several smaller Boston-area libraries unified to form a single public library. While it isn’t the largest library in the U.S., it was the first, and today it houses around 19 million volumes, including first edition folios from Shakespeare and original music scores by Mozart.
The Central Library consists of two buildings. The McKim Building, completed in 1895, features the majestic Bates Hall. A major restoration in 1996 revitalized the room with new woodwork. The second building, the Johnson Building, shares the McKim Building’s pink granite exterior but has fewer windows, leading some to describe it as mausoleum-like.
Architect Charles Follen McKim designed the current building with the goal of creating a “palace for the people.” Renovated and expanded in 1972, the library was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986. It is considered “the first outstanding example of Renaissance Beaux-Arts Classicism in America.”
New York Public Library
(New York City, New York)
The New York Public Library is among the world’s largest libraries. Its primary branch, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, opened in 1911 at a cost of $9 million. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1965 and added to the National Register of Historic Places the following year.
This library played a pivotal role during the Great Depression and remains an iconic symbol of public learning. It houses the renowned Rose Main Reading Room, which measures 77 feet wide by 295 feet long with soaring 52-foot ceilings. The room features thousands of reference books, massive windows, grand chandeliers, polished wood tables, and brass lamps. Though not part of the original design, the space is now equipped with computers to access digital collections.
One standout feature is the library’s book train—a $3 million delivery system with 24 motorized carts that carry up to 30 pounds of materials through the library’s 11 levels.
Neptune Beach Library
(Neptune Beach, Florida)
A coastal treasure nestled just east of Jacksonville, the Neptune Beach Library is a small but beloved public space that reflects the charm of its beachside community. With just a few rooms and a relaxed, sunlit interior, this library proves that beauty doesn’t always come from grandeur—it can stem from thoughtful design and a strong sense of place.
Surrounded by palms and often filled with the sound of gentle ocean breezes, the library serves as a calm refuge for readers and beachgoers alike. Inside, large windows let in natural light, and the building’s simplicity highlights its purpose: community and accessibility. It may lack ornate ceilings or massive marble columns, but for many, its peaceful setting and welcoming spirit are what make it truly beautiful.
Final Thoughts
Rooted in history and tradition, public libraries in the Eastern United States often embody timeless architectural beauty. While many serve as pillars of learning, a distinguished few elevate that role—becoming cultural treasures that reflect the region’s rich heritage and enduring commitment to knowledge.
>> Click here to learn what the other half of The United States has to offer.