This Web Story explores the top 10 book havens globally! Journey from the Library of Congress to hidden gems like the National Diet Library. Discover the world's richest collections, from ancient manuscripts to modern media, and embark on a literary adventure across continents.

With an estimated collection of over 175 million items, the Library of Congress is the largest library in the world. It is the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States and serves as the research arm of Congress.

The British Library, the UK’s national library and the world's second largest, houses over 170-200 million items. It is a leading research library with an extensive collection of books, journals, manuscripts, maps, music, and other materials.

The National Library of China, the world's third largest, holds over 43 million items. It collects, preserves, and provides access to various materials, including books, journals, newspapers, maps, and audio-visual resources.

The Shanghai Library, one of China's largest libraries, is the world's fourth largest, with over 50 million items. It serves the people of Shanghai and functions as a national center for library and information science.

The Russian State Library is the national library of Russia and the fifth largest library in the world, boasting a collection of over 48 million items. It is a universal library that collects and preserves materials in all languages and on all subjects.

The National Diet Library is the national library of Japan and the sixth largest library in the world, containing over 41 million items. It is the legal deposit library for Japan, meaning that all publications printed in Japan must be deposited in the library.

The German National Library is the national library of Germany and the seventh largest library in the world, with a collection of over 43 million items. It has two locations, one in Leipzig and one in Frankfurt.

The National Library of France is the national library of France and the eighth largest library in the world, housing over 40 million items. It is a comprehensive library that collects and preserves materials in all languages and on all subjects.

The New York Public Library is a private non-profit library system with a network of 92 branches throughout New York City. It is the ninth largest library in the world, with a collection of over 55 million items.

Library and Archives Canada, located in Ottawa, is the national library and archives of Canada. It is the world's tenth largest library, housing over 54 million items, including books, journals, government records, and audio-visual materials.