No longer must a library be visited solely for its collection of books, for the National Library of the Argentine Republic is an architectural marvel and a building to be celebrated in its own right. With a protruding rectangular façade supported by immense pillars from the back, the Library looks like a futuristic setting rather than a staid and inert building. With its sheer daring, this design is aptly named the Brutalist structure. Even if you aren’t a lover of books, the library’s architectural and cultural value are captivating enough to warrant a visit. The library played an important role throughout Argentina’s struggle for democracy, emerging finally as an emblem of the nation’s turbulent political history. Today, it houses a rare collection of books and pledges to preserve the printed media of the country, thus keeping the memory of Argentina’s history alive.