The libraries of Costa Dorada are much more than shelves full of books; they are true havens of culture, creativity and inspiration. In this corner of the Mediterranean, where the sea caresses golden beaches and history is felt in in every corner, these spaces serve as meeting points for travellers, book lovers and the curious who are looking for more than just sun and sand.
In cities such as Tarragona, Reus, El Vendrell, Cambrils, Salou and Vandellòs i l’Hospitalet de l’Infant, the libraries are authentic cultural gems, hidden among streets steeped in history, lively squares and picturesque landscapes. Some are housed in majestic historic buildings that have witnessed centuries of history, while others surprise with avant-garde designs that invite you to explore knowledge in innovative ways.
Previously, we’ve looked at the most charming libraries in Barcelona and Girona; in this article, we’ll dive into Costa Dorada and its fascinating literary universe. Get to any of these locations with Shuttle2Sun‘s low-cost and sustainable shared transfer services and private transfer services from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Tarragona Public Library: a treasure in a historic building
Located in the heart of the city, the Tarragona Public Library is a true cultural symbol that combines history and knowledge in a unique setting. The building that houses it, an imposing construction from the end of the 20th century, was originally conceived as a residential school for the Carmelites de La Vetlla, although it was never opened to the public. Eventually, it was renovated and transformed into a great cultural centre, becoming a true palace of culture. Recently, its façade has been restored, recovering its original splendour and highlighting the architectural details that make it a jewel of heritage.
Inside, the library houses an exceptional heritage collection, with collections that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the history and cultural evolution of Tarragona and Catalonia. Among its treasures are more than 35,000 volumes dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries, with an important representation of ancient printed matter, historical documents and works that reflect the thought and society of each period. The incunabula, books printed before 1501, are a valuable example of the early history of printing.
The library also has several special collections, such as those of the Catalan philologist Josep Ma. Pujol and the writer Josep Pla; the library of Viceroy Pedro Antonio de Aragón; and the collection donated by Manuel de Montoliu y de Togores.
Furthermore, in addition to its historical collections, the programme of the Tarragona Public Library includes activities such as reading clubs, conferences, exhibitions and workshops aimed at all ages.
Remember that with Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, you can travel to Tarragona and Costa Dorada, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Xavier Amorós Central Library: a spaceof knowledge in the centre of Reus
The Xavier Amorós Central Library, located in the heart of Reus, is also a cultural landmark that blends modernity, history and accessibility. Inaugurated in 2003, the library occupies the building of the former municipal slaughterhouse, an industrial-style construction that was put into operation at the end of the 19th century, and which has been refurbished to create a space for knowledge and encounters. Its name pays tribute to the writer and poet Xavier Amorós Solà, who was born in Reus.
Inside, the library houses one of the most complete collections in the region. Its bibliographic collection has thousands of volumes ranging from contemporary literature to historical documents and multimedia material. Particularly noteworthy is its local collection, a valuable compilation of books, magazines and archives related to the history, traditions and identity of Reus and the Camp de Tarragona.
A trip through the history of the Vendrell Library
On the other hand, the Vendrell Public Library is a cornerstone of cultural and educational outreach in the capital of the Baix Penedès. It has its origins in 1920, with the inauguration of the Biblioteca Popular del Vendrell, one of the first popular libraries created by the Mancomunitat de Catalunya. Its original headquarters was a building designed by the architect Ramon Puig i Gairalt located on La Rambla, next to the railway station.
In 2005, the library moved to its current location on Carrer Major, with a new name, the Terra Baixa Public Library, in honour of the literary work of Angel Guimerà, a favourite son of the town. The new location allowed it to modernise its facilities, offer a more extensive and diversified collection of documents, and incorporate innovative services for its users.
Discover the Cambrils, Salou and Vandellòs i l’Hospitalet de l’Infant libraries
The Libraries of Cambrils, Salou and Vandellòs i l’Hospitalet de l’Infant are located in privileged enclaves of Costa Dorada, a few steps from the Mediterranean Sea and the tranquillity of their municipalities. In the case of Cambrils, its library stands out for its modern infrastructure and contemporary design, especially designed to encourage reading and participation in cultural activities.
For its part, the Salou library is another cultural reference point in the area, which stands out for its focus on promoting reading in all its forms. Its programme of activities is wide and varied, with proposals that include storytelling, creative workshops, book presentations and educational activities, all aimed at both children and adults.
Likewise, in Vandellòs i l’Hospitalet de l’Infant, the library has also been designed with a modern approach that favours accessibility and the use of new technologies. In addition to its varied bibliographic collection, which includes literature, local history and digital resources, it offers educational programmes, creativity workshops, family and cultural activities.
The libraries in these towns are far more than mere book lending spaces; they are meeting points for locals and visitors looking for culture, learning and enjoyment in one of the most beautiful areas of Costa Dorada. You can reach all these destinations with Shuttle2Sun‘s shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
