9 facts about librarians you probably didn't know

By Sam Romano, CNN

Updated 2007 GMT (0407 HKT) April 7, 2019

In a beautiful cross-pollination of the arts, one of the world's most stunning places to read isn't even a library -- it's a theater in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Designed by Pero and Torres Arngol, the El Ateneo Grand Splendid started life as a stage for the performing arts in 1919, then a cinema. Once upon a time live tango played from an orchestra underneath silent movies. Now it's a majestic bookstore, complete with frescoes, balconies and original red curtains.
Photos: The world's most beautiful places to read
El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Buenos Aires – In a beautiful cross-pollination of the arts, one of the world's most stunning places to read isn't even a library -- it's a theater in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Designed by Pero and Torres Arngol, the El Ateneo Grand Splendid started life as a stage for the performing arts in 1919, then a cinema. Once upon a time live tango played from an orchestra underneath silent movies. Now it's a majestic bookstore, complete with frescoes, balconies and original red curtains.
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If libraries are cathedrals of learning, then it's not a huge stretch to place a bookshop in a church. <a href="http://waandersindebroeren.nl/" target="_blank">Waanders In de Broeren</a> in Zwolle sits within a converted 15th century Dominican church. The refit builds in three floors but pays respect to the original vaulted ceiling, while architects <a href="http://www.bkpunt.nl/#0" target="_blank">BK. Architecten</a> transformed the building's transepts into reading rooms, complete with stained glass windows.
Photos: The world's most beautiful places to read
Waanders In de Broeren, Zwolle, The Netherlands – If libraries are cathedrals of learning, then it's not a huge stretch to place a bookshop in a church. Waanders In de Broeren in Zwolle sits within a converted 15th century Dominican church. The refit builds in three floors but pays respect to the original vaulted ceiling, while architects BK. Architecten transformed the building's transepts into reading rooms, complete with stained glass windows.
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Dr James Campbell of Cambridge University and renowned architecture photographer Will Pryce have together compiled<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.thamesandhudson.com/The_Library/9780500342886" target="_blank"><strong>The Library: A World History</strong></a><strong>,</strong> the most complete account of library buildings to date. Here Campbell and Pryce take us on a virtual journey through some of their favorites.<br /><br /><em>Interviews by </em><a href="https://twitter.com/M_Veselinovic" target="_blank"><em>Milena Veselinovic</em> </a>
Photos: The world's most beautiful places to read
Strahov Abbey library, Prague, Czech Republic – Dr James Campbell of Cambridge University and renowned architecture photographer Will Pryce have together compiled The Library: A World History, the most complete account of library buildings to date. Here Campbell and Pryce take us on a virtual journey through some of their favorites.

Interviews by Milena Veselinovic
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