Really, it was a dream: two spaces of all manner of material concerning architecture, fashion, film, graphics, photography, prints, typography...anything artistically-oriented, it's probably here, or they can get it for you. Stencil art in Argentina? Check. Iconic 50-70s buildings in Berlin? Of course. It's hard to walk away without a purchase.

This location is the main branch, housing five public floors in the including the world-reknowned Western History & Genealogy collection. This Michael Graves-designed building offers a multitude of nooks and crannies in which to peruse any literature of your choice (5th floor is my favorite on which to get serious studying/reflection done, as it is the least populated). The library also offers free internet, though there is usually a queue. Sometimes, special exhibits are shown on the 7th floor, often worth checking out. In the basement, they host the (free) film series. If you get thirsty, there's a(n) overpriced cafe just to the left of the Broadway entrance.

It's hard to resist leafing through or going away with the Zadie Smith-edited volume or Michel Gondry's new offering. Check out the shows, too, that add to that real cozy community feeling.

The atmosphere is laidback, where you can sit for hours with the literary world of your choice. What's really cool about this place are all the events they host, such as language exchanges on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Friday quiz nights.

And, yes, of course, se habla ingles.

Along with museum souvenirs and design goodies, La Central also offers tomes that run the gamut of the humanities. The smaller bookshop at the Santa Isabel entrance is better for Reina Sofia merch, while the main one at Ronda de Atocha offers three floors of a bibliophile's dream. Check their calendar for free events.

I could go on as much as I could spend time here. There's always something new, and you're quite welcome to loll away the hours here. And what tomes! Without even opening it up, you already have an interesting one in your hands, some titles beautifully bound and letter-pressed. Panta Rhei also offers rotating exhibits featuring contemporary illustrators, so check their site for the next one. Perusing the collection, these ladies know their shit (but are super nice about it), so don't hesitate to ask them for suggestions if you're looking for something in particular.

Since the Cherry Creek closing and relocation to East Colfax, the LoDo branch is now the oldest, installing itself in the beautiful Morey Mercantile warehouse in 1994. Exposed interior framing and cozy, antique furnishings lend a rustic touch to your exploration of two floors of books, so like a Borgesian paradise, that you might find yourself hard-pressed to leave. All TC branches offer literary events, from readings (kids' storytimes are especially popular), signings, and community discussions, as well as coffeeshops and newsstands (non-English press included).

One of the friendlier, laidback spaces on East Colfax, brought to you by one-half of the neighboring Fabric Lab. Vegan cupcake lovers need not fret; The Shoppe assures that they will be expanding their three-flavor offering in the near future. You CAN probably purchase your own cereal and enjoy it in a much cheaper fashion, but this is the place to chill out with like-minded folks while browsing their selection of design goods or cheering for your favorite Project Runway contestant.