As a student, this is the best library!!!! They offer books for reference (italian of course),…read moreamazing (free) wifi, a beautiful view of the Duomo from multiple angles, plenty of inside and outside seating, and a cafe with the best cafe latte i've ever had!!! The only thing I wish was different was that this place was open 24/7 because I would never leave.

i would like to take the time today to announce to all of my loving fans that i am officially back…read moreand i live in italy now. i have been here now for some time... and during my sojourn here i have quite enjoyed my visits to the biblioteca delle oblate. usually i have absolutley zero work ethic and no desire whatsoever to do my homework especially now in my freshman year of university. the thing is that being the way that i am, i get good grades nontheless thanks to my charming personality so i never really take the time to absorb the material. this all changes the second i step into the library. by the grace of god there is a shift in the universe and the planets align giving me the motivation to actually do my work. i have read numerous novels and poems in these walls and have become extremly scholarly and educated. i would add that there is a cafe here just for prosterity because to me its not really relevant. expect more reviews soon, as i go on a journey of self-discovery and realization and embracing my new zest for life in my eurofall and winter.

Walking up those stone stairs a reminder goes through your head of the number of people, over the…read morecenturies, that have done the same thing. Entering the first room you are hit by the ceiling, wonderfully carved wood. Under your feet, don't walk on it, a beautifully tiled floor. The wooden benches that, again over the centuries, have seated many learned people. The central circular library room with its wonderful furnishings and paintings. Finally, a room filled with illuminated books written by those monks. No modern day computers to 'help' them and, jokingly, no spell check or tipex for those mistakes LOL. Finally, the cloisters where those hard working monks had their Spartan rooms. A fantastic few hours spent. Well worth hunting this bibliotheque out.

Patrons' Tour was a most treasured life experience. Fabulous group of attendees…read morecame together from all ports adding to the experience. Encourage all to attend. LAB

I had read about tea at the British Institute of Florence's Harold Acton Library and contacted them…read morebefore we left the U.S. to see if we could attend and were told "Of course." They offer their version of High Tea on Thursdays at 4:30 PM. For a requested donation of € 1.50 each, we had cups of tea with proper sandwiches, biscuits, homemade cake, and cookies. The tea is served in the one of the libraries. The British Institute sits right on the Arno River and we were treated to some wonderful views. It was a lovely way to spend a rainy afternoon.