12 University Libraries So Stunning, You'll Want to Study There Forever

By

Akanksha Sharma

November 14, 2025

8. The Joe and Rika Mansueto Library, University of Chicago

View from interior of glass-domed reading room of Joe and Rika Mansueto Library (University of Chicago) in winter. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons @IceUnshattered

The Joe and Rika Mansueto Library is a testament to the power of technology and innovation in the world of libraries. Its futuristic design features a glass dome that floods the reading room with natural light, creating an open and inviting space. Below ground, the library's automated storage and retrieval system houses millions of volumes, accessible at the touch of a button. The Mansueto Library is a place where cutting-edge technology meets traditional scholarship, providing a model for the libraries of the future. Its innovative approach to library design and function makes it a standout on the University of Chicago's campus.

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