Like many have mentioned, it’s never a sure bet that a particular stronghold will house a library. However, based on past encounters, it’s exceptionally uncommon for a stronghold to lack a library, even if the libraries have suffered considerable damage due to neighboring cave systems.
In the realm of PC Minecraft, a multitude of fortresses exist, numbering up to a staggering 128 per world. These fortresses materialize in circular patterns, radiating from the map’s central point, resembling the way Nether Fortresses form in distinct “Stripes” across the Nether. The image provided below showcases the verdant zones where these formidable strongholds can be discovered.
Although this information doesn’t reveal the exact location, it serves as a valuable guide to narrow down your search. However, be cautious as the spawning of these entities ceases once you exceed a distance of 25km from coordinates 0,0. Take heed of this fact. Additionally, if you’re seeking a cluster of Strongholds, the region between 13696-14976 is your best bet, boasting an impressive density of approximately 0.2 strongholds per square kilometer.
Returning to your initial inquiry, it is conceivable that the fortress you stumbled upon lacks repositories of knowledge. Should this be the scenario, your sole recourse would be to seek an alternative stronghold situated elsewhere on this vast planet.
Deciphering whether a fortress harbors a bibliotheca or not can be quite a puzzle; a definitive solution eludes us. The exclusive method to ascertain this, devoid of any modifications, is by way of thorough investigation, requiring meticulous exploration. I propose undertaking the exploration of the fortress in the subsequent manner:
Select a commencement spot within the fortress. Typically, it is advisable to commence from the exact location through which you initially entered the stronghold.
Select a path and embark on a journey until you stumble upon a crossroads within the fortress. As you progress, adorn the right side of the walls with torches (I suggest using redstone torches to avoid any confusion with the preexisting “illuminating” torches).
Embrace the path less traveled when you stumble upon a diverging road. Keep adorning the right side of the wall with luminous torches as you progress.
In the face of a dead-end, retrace your steps until stumbling upon an enticing crossroads brimming with uncharted paths. Opt for the subsequent route on your right and embark on an exhilarating quest of exploration.
In due course, you shall stumble upon a sanctuary of knowledge, or you shall retrace your steps back to the very beginning. (Should you desire to return to the starting point at any juncture, merely tread the path where the luminous torches grace your left side. Assuming your torches were strategically positioned, there will be solely a solitary route leading from any location within the labyrinthine stronghold.) This endeavor shall grant you a glimpse into the possibility of discovering a coveted Library within the formidable stronghold.
Strongholds, in their intricate design, are often disconnected, revealing hidden corridors and unexplored realms. Even after thorough exploration, the labyrinthine nature of these strongholds ensures the possibility of undiscovered passages, concealed by the intricate cave generation of the game. One can embark on a quest of excavation, delving deeper into the unknown, in hopes of unearthing additional sections to the stronghold. Should any new discoveries be made, one must faithfully repeat the steps aforementioned, forging ahead on this enigmatic journey.
Should you continue to face disappointment, venture forth and seek an alternative bastion to commence anew. Hypothetically speaking, it is conceivable for a realm to lack strongholds housing libraries; however, based on my encounters, such an occurrence would be exceptionally uncommon.
