Barcelona is a city that captivates us with its deep connection to literature, culture and architecture. For book lovers, the city offers a hidden treasure in the form of libraries, many of them located in historic buildings with a special charm.
To tour the city’s most emblematic libraries is to dive into a trip that goes beyond the pages of a book. Each of them has a unique personality, reflected in their architecture, their history and the collection they house. From old buildings converted into spaces of knowledge to modern facilities that integrate the latest technology, Barcelona’s libraries are a perfect fusion of past and present.
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The Arús Library and its own Statue of Liberty
The Arús Library, located in the heart of Barcelona on Passeig de Sant Joan, is a real treasure trove for lovers of literature and history. Founded in 1895 as the Catalan capital’s first public library, thanks to a donation by philanthropist Rossend Arús, this library not only houses a vast collection of books but is also a reflection of the cultural and progressive spirit of the time.
One of the most fascinating elements of the Arús Library is the sculpture of Liberty, a Catalan version of the famous Statue of Liberty, which greets visitors at the entrance. This figure is a symbol of the libertarian and republican spirit that inspired the creation of the library, underlining its role as a centre for the dissemination of knowledge and democratic values.
It also has a private collection on the character Sherlock Holmes, which is considered the best in Spain and one of the most important in the world.
The Biblioteca de Catalunya, in the former Hospital de la Santa Creu
In the building of the former Hospital de la Santa Creu, you will find the Biblioteca de Catalunya, one of Barcelona’s most emblematic historical sites. Founded in 1907, the library moved in 1939 to this impressive Gothic architectural ensemble, which dates back to the 15th century and was once the largest hospital in Catalonia.
The building, with its elegant arches and interior courtyards, is a fascinating example of medieval Catalan architecture. To get to know its interior, we recommend a guided tour.
The Biblioteca de Catalunya’s collection is extensive and diverse, with nearly 3 million documents ranging from medieval manuscripts to contemporary materials. Among its most outstanding gems are, for example, Les Homilies d’Organyà, considered the oldest literary text in the Catalan language; the smallest book, an Our Father, measuring just 6 millimetres; and one of the world’s most important public collections of Miguel de Cervantes, where you can see the first 6 editions of Don Quixote.
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The Gabriel García Márquez Library, winner of the ‘Ciutat de Barcelona’ Architecture Award
Opened in the Sant Martí de Provençals neighbourhood, it is a clear example of how architecture can enhance the visitor experience. Awarded the “Ciutat de Barcelona” Architecture Prize, this building stands out for its wooden structure, which provides warmth and a welcoming atmosphere, and its unique geometry, which integrates large windows and open spaces that invite reading.
In addition to its innovative architectural design, the library specialises in Latin American literature, with an extensive collection that pays homage to its namesake, Gabriel García Márquez, making it a cultural centre of reference in Barcelona.
The Francesca Bonnemaison Library, the first library dedicated to women
Another of the most interesting spaces in Barcelona is the Francesca Bonnemaison Library, located in the Ciutat Vella district, which has a unique and remarkable history, as it was the first library in Europe dedicated exclusively to women.
Founded in 1909 by Francesca Bonnemaison, this cultural centre has had several locations over the years, due to its continuous growth, initially located in the cloister of the parish of Santa Ana, moving to the Casa de la Misericordia, and finally installed in the Casa Cordelles.
The Historical Archive of the City of Barcelona (AHCB)
The Historical Archive of the City of Barcelona (AHCB) is housed in the emblematic Casa de l’Ardiaca, and has become a benchmark in the preservation of the city’s historical memory. Founded in 1917, the archive houses priceless documents and collections that allow us to explore the evolution of Barcelona over the centuries.
The Casa de l’Ardiaca, a building with medieval roots and Gothic, Renaissance and Modernist elements, is an architectural gem that perfectly complements the historical importance of the archives it houses.
Other interesting libraries
Also of note is the Sant Pau – Santa Creu Library in Ciutat Vella district, which houses an extensive collection of Arabic-language books and copies from the Indian subcontinent, focusing mainly on countries such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Nepal.
And finally, although it is not a conventional library as we know them today, we do not want to forget to mention the Collserola – Josep Miracle Library, also known as the Seed Library, which, as its name suggests, aims to recover native species by renting plant seeds instead of books.
If you are a lover of literature and history, you can’t miss visiting these charming libraries. Remember that Shuttle2Sun offers its shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, to get to Barcelona, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station. Remember that you can book your transfer up to 24 hours in advance.
