If there is one thing in my life that I am passionate about, it is our local library and the joy of reading. My passion for our library knows no bounds. You will find me there every few days checking out novels I will probably never get to read and breathing in the air of a room full of books. There is nothing that calms my soul more than the quiet and peacefulness of our library.

Taking a road trip to visit libraries with your family can be a fun adventure.  Imagine the stories your children will be able to tell someday about the year that your family explored the architecture of the world’s most beautiful libraries while reading a great book or two along the way. Here are just a few recommendations for some truly unique libraries that are worth your visit.

The Library of Congress - What library road trip would be complete without visiting the nation’s oldest institution?  The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with almost 145 million items on 745 miles of bookshelves. The collections include more than 33 million books and other print materials, 3 million recordings, 12.5 million photographs, 5.3 million maps, 6 million pieces of sheet music and 63 million manuscripts.

If high-brow literature and beautiful artifacts aren’t enough to bribe your kids to visit this wonderful library, perhaps a visit to the world’s largest comic book collection could tempt them. The Library’s Serial and Government Publications Division contains 5,000 titles and 100,000 issues). The oldest comic book in the collection is “Popular Comics,” dated February 1936.

The Seattle Public Library – You may not necessarily think of a library as a tourist attraction, but the Seattle Public Library attracts more than 8,000 visitors a day since remodeling in 2004.  The new Central Library Tours last approximately one hour, while general tours have a greater focus on the services of the library and the functions of the various levels and spaces. In addition, the architectural tours focus more on the structure and design of the building.

The renovation of the Seattle Public Library cost $196.4 million and it has a contemporary look and feel that is innovative in both form and function. Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and former Seattleite Joshua Ramus were principal designers on the project, working closely with the Library’s board, staff and the public during its development phase.

The Central Library’s total program area now sprawls across 362,987 square feet and includes a fun coffee shop, a place to buy chocolates and even a retail shop where you can pick up special gifts. There is so much beauty to see in this library that you could even enjoy a virtual tour of this spacious library on their website.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum - Regardless of your political stance, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library is an architectural delight to behold. You can visit this fabulous library in the striking I.M Pei building on Boston’s waterfront. The building was designed by renowned modernist architect I. M. Pei, and the library offers soaring lines that characterize the hopes and dreams epitomized by the Kennedy presidency.

Located on Columbia Point, the library (and museum – more on that in a bit) are set on a 9.5 acre park landscaped with pine trees, shrubs and wild roses reminiscent of the landscape of Cape Cod familiar to President Kennedy.  If you visit in the summer or fall, President Kennedy’s 26-foot sailboat Victura is on display on the museum grounds at the edge of Boston Harbor.

While you are visiting the library, you can also tour the museum and relive the powerful story of the Kennedy years. Through the three theaters, period settings and 25 dramatic multimedia exhibits, you will enter the recreated world of the Kennedy presidency for a firsthand experience of the former president’s life, legacy and leadership. Museum admission is $ 12.00 for adults, seniors (62 and over) and students (with valid college ID) $10.00, Ages 13-17 $9.00, Children 12 and under are free.

Books For Kids – Did you know that Homewood Suites itself is a proud supporter of libraries? They have opened several in conjunction with the nonprofit organization Books for Kids, which builds libraries and donates books for children low-income neighborhoods. You can actually visit one of their great libraries if you happen to be in the Memphis or DC area!