Booklovers know that the places that house books can be just as magical as books themselves. That may be why so many places, from indie bookshops to corner bookstore cafés, go out of their way to capture the imagination of readers. The Downtown Reno Library, a branch of the Washoe County Library System, is a grand example of this. Take a look at this uniquely designed library in Nevada and feel as if you’ve stepped inside the pages of a secret garden.

The Downtown Reno Library in Nevada is a marvel of architecture. Find the large building on the corner of South Center Street and East Liberty Street in downtown Reno, just a few blocks from the Truckee River.
Facebook/Downtown Reno Library
Find a free parking garage near the Reno City Hall on East First Street. There is also free street parking on all streets on Sundays.
You are sure to be in awe of the natural green space created inside this stunning public library. The architect of the Downtown Reno Library was Hewitt Wells.
Google/Jon Rutlen
The library opened its doors to the public in 1966.
Originally, Wells dreamt of having the library in a park. When this was not possible, he brought the outdoors inside!
Google/M. Nguyen
Inside, the green oasis is filled with hundreds of plants. Enjoy a good book with plenty of natural lighting. You’ll soon forget that an urban world awaits just outside the library walls.

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The library is unlike any other in the country and has won numerous awards for its spectacular design and features.
Google/Howie’s World
In 2014, the Downtown Reno Library was awarded the "coolest internal space" title during National Library Week by Cengage Learning.
Patrons and library guests are often found in the ‘Garden,' where plenty of mushroom-inspired seating helps visitors sink comfortably into their favorite book.
Google/Tristan B
Toss a penny into the wishing pond, too!
Readers of all ages enjoy the forest-like setting of the library, from the hanging vines to full-grown trees in the expansive open atrium.
Google/Hannah Sturtz
Almost hidden among the greenery is also a grand piano located in a theater and an art gallery on the balcony.
Find the children’s section on the lower level of the library, complete with the aesthetics of climbing vines along the walls.
Google/Colin A Watley

As the library’s architect, Hewitt Wells, once put it, “‘If we can’t put the library in the park, we’ll put a park in the library.” Come marvel at one of the world’s most magical libraries by visiting the Downtown Reno Library in Nevada. It will feel like the pages of a fairytale sprung to life.

Do you enjoy discovering books in wonderful places? What are some of your favorites in Nevada? Let us know in the comments below!

If you’re on the hunt for even more books, then you’ll want to consider these eight cozy bookshops located right here in Nevada.

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301 S Center St, Reno, NV 89501, USA