These 8 Strange and Hidden Libraries in Illinois Need To Be Seen To Be Believed

These days, libraries have fallen a little by the wayside, as we get all of the information we need from the internet. But isn’t it nice to curl up with a good book sometimes? It also helps if the library you’re going to is interesting, like the ones on these list. These are some of the stranger libraries in Illinois.

Joe and Rika Mansueto Library/Wikimedia

This library is located at the University of Chicago. You will notice the amazing design of the building first. But what you don't see is the underground robotic system that actually retrieves your books. 1100 E 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637.

International Museum of Surgical Science/Facebook

First, the wood walls and green chairs make a truly stunningly beautiful atmosphere. But what these walls contain are far from beautiful: detailed descriptions of gory surgeries. 1524 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60610.

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Laurie Chipps/Flickr

Certainly, there is much to see at the actual Art Institute of Chicago. But if you're lucky to see it, there is a wonderful library featuring art and architecture libraries. 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603.

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Foy Scalf/Flickr

This wonderful research area is dedicated to near East studies. Wood carvings on the wall, an elaborately painted ceiling, and a "Lotus" window make it truly jaw-dropping. 1155 E 58th St, Chicago, IL 60637.

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Poetry Foundation Library/Facebook

This is the only library in the Midwest that is dedicated solely to poetry. There are a whopping 30,000 volumes in the stacks. 61 W Superior St, Chicago, IL 60654.

Gerber Hart Library/Facebook

This library has the largest collection of LGBT titles in the United States. There are over 14,000 volumes. 6500 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60626.

Read/Write Library Chicago

This community-run and community-based library is unlike anything you've ever seen. It is a quirky collection of books and zines. 914 N. California, Walton Entrance, Chicago, IL 60622.

Leather Archives and Museum/Facebook

Trust us, this is the tamest photo we could find. This museum and library is the first formally organized archive of stuff related to the leather community (and we aren't talking about motorcycles). 6418N N Greenview Ave, Chicago, IL 60626.

Want to take an in depth look at one of the libraries on this list? Read here.