This is a continuation of my post from earlier this week titled 10 Treehouse, Dollhouse, and other Truly Unique Libraries – Part I
6) Royal Grammar School Chained Library
This unique library in Guildford, England was built in the early 1500's and is one of the few original chained libraries where books were bound to their shelves allowing for added security for valuable books. The library is now the Headmaster's study but still contains books dating back to the 1400s including two early editions of Sir Isaac Newton's Principia. More coverage here.
7) BiebBus – A Recycled Shipping Container Children's Library
This expanding mobile library made from an old shipping container travels from school to school in the Netherlands providing 7,000 books and a reading room which holds 35-40 children. The brainchild of architect Jord den Hollander, the vehicle was specifically designed to navigate narrow streets and not take up much parking space. More coverage here.
8) Open Air Library
This is an outdoor library in Madgeburg, Germany was made out of beer crates and materials from an old warehouse. Created by KARO Architecten in 2005 on the site of the previous district library, this was started as a temporary art project which local residents took over. The library now offers over 20,000 books. More coverage here and here.
9) Picture Book Library
A library designed for pre-schoolers, the Picture Book Library in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture in Japan makes every book cover visible to patrons. The beautifully designed library holds 1,300 picture books and is open to the public. The library received 6,000 visitors in its first 10 months. More coverage here.
10) Reading Club 2000
This is an informal library in Manila, Philippines which was started by Hernando Guanlao 12 years ago by placing books outside his home for others to borrow. The collection is now up to 2,000 – 3,000 and Guanlao provides a book bike service to deliver books to the poorest communities in Manila. More coverage here.