South America's breathtaking libraries are architectural marvels, hiding endless stories. Unlike some places where libraries are just another place to read for the public, there are a select few here that are also tourist attractions in their own right.
We could spend all day listing them one by one, but this group of libraries in South America offers the most to book lovers in terms of beauty and literature.
Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading (Rio de Janeiro)
Come and witness the biggest collection of Portuguese written material outside the country at the Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading in Rio de Janeiro, crowned as the 8th most beautiful library in the world. Containing an estimated 350,000 volumes, as well as autograph manuscripts and letters from famed writers, die-hard readers will be in their element here.
Entry to the Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading is free, although we recommend paying the small fee to take one of the tours offered, as it's well worth it to hear about the history. You'll be taken past three magnificent tiers of shelving, all under a stained-glass dome that enchants every visitor.
Address: R. Luís de Camões, 30 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20051-020, Brazil
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 10AM – 5PM
– Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Biblioteca Nacional do Brasil (Rio de Janeiro)
By Cinelândia Square in central Rio de Janeiro, you’ll find the biggest library in all of Latin America, Biblioteca Nacional do Brasil. Housing around nine million texts, including some rare books and manuscripts, visitors who are lucky enough to have the opportunity will be in awe of this place’s literary offerings.
The architecture of the Biblioteca Nacional do Brasil reflects the Greek Revival style with monumental staircases connecting multiple floors of bookcases. While finer details such as intricate wall paneling and fresh lighting tie the entire layout together, making it one of the most beautiful libraries in South America.
Address: Av. Rio Branco, 219 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20040-008, Brazil
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 10AM – 4:30PM
– Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Victor Civita Latin American Library (São Paulo)
A standout among Brazil’s libraries is the Victor Civita Latin American Library in São Paulo. Belonging to the city’s Latin America Memorial, the collection here is focused on all content related to the continent, whether that be political texts or economic works.
Developed by Oscar Niemeyer, the Victor Civita Latin American Library has a crafty cylinder-shaped design with an airy interior where shelving floods the central area, along with a few tables that visitors can use for reading.
Address: Av. Mário de Andrade, 664 – Barra Funda, São Paulo – SP, 01156-001, Brazil
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 10AM – 5PM
– Saturday: 10AM – 3PM
– Sunday: Closed
San Francisco Monastery Library (Lima)
Lima’s San Francisco Monastery Library is a historic gem established by a group of Franciscan friars who brought with them an assortment of spiritual books they believed would aid local monks. Known as one of Lima’s most prominent landmarks, the complex is built in Baroque style, where more than 25,000 publications can be found beyond its walls.
Lined with open texts and winding staircases, the San Francisco Monastery Library invites visitors to climb to the upper floors to marvel at its extended inventory. Attention is brought to the central space by ambient lighting from above, with wooden elements and lavish tiling on full display for everyone to relish.
Address: XX3F+V59, Jr. Lampa, Lima 15001, Peru
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 9AM – 6PM
National Library of Peru (Lima)
A tribute to the nation’s bookish heritage, the National Library of Peru in Lima attracts enthusiastic local and foreign readers to its location in the San Borja District. Set up in 1821, its inventory has grown to include an impressive number of periodicals, manuscripts, films, photographs, and more. One of its most prized possessions is the very first book ever printed on the continent, dating back to 1584.
The facility is divided into different sections that visitors can enjoy, including the library itself, as well as an exhibition hall, study room, and newspaper archive. At certain times of the year, the National Library of Peru also hosts several events. Women-led expos and presentations on the Candelaria Festival have all been featured in the past.
Address: Av. De La Poesía 160, San Borja 15034, Peru
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 8:30AM – 8PM
– Sunday: Closed
Legislative Library of Uruguay (Montevideo)
The Legislative Library of Uruguay in the capital Montevideo contains a wealth of written works related to legislation and parliamentary purposes, readily available for viewing for anyone interested. Serving as the link between parliament and the public, its holdings include 250,000 monographic works, 155,000 magazines, 700,000 newspapers from 1835 until now, and much more.
A multi-tiered library where intricate wooden details take center stage, the Legislative Library of Uruguay is undeniably a work of visual brilliance, guaranteed to leave any visitor in awe. The manner in which the high-reaching cabinets, brimming with timeworn volumes, intertwine with sculptures and freestanding wooden ladders creates an unforgettable sight to experience firsthand.
Address: 4R57+G35, Av. de las Leyes, 11800 Montevideo, Departamento de Montevideo, Uruguay
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 8AM – 8PM
– Saturday and Sunday: Closed
National Library of Teachers (Buenos Aires)
Buenos Aires has many wonderful libraries, but none are quite like the National Library of Teachers. Holding a total of 220,000 items, you’ll come across endless books and magazines here, as well as an eclectic mix related to sciences and pedagogy, along with a children’s library.
Across the National Library of Teachers, you’re welcome to explore the reading room, which is centered around science and humanities with around 70,000 texts. The American Room is another notable stop, mainly for researchers, and is packed with certain inventories belonging to the likes of Mabel Manacorda de Rosetti. For those who are fans of rare texts, the Treasure Room contains a fascinating collection dating back to before 1810.
Address: Pje. Pizzurno 953, C1017 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 9AM – 8PM
– Saturday: 9AM – 5PM
Library of the City Legislature (Buenos Aires)
One of Buenos Aires' best-kept secrets is the Biblioteca Esteban Echeverría. Situated inside the Legislative Palace, this structure was designed by the architect Héctor Ayerza, and the layout speaks for itself. From the ornate bronze chandeliers to rolling ladders, and not to forget the artwork by celebrated painters like Román Rivera, it's a truly awe-inspiring library.
The literature within the Library of the City Legislature is predominantly oriented toward law, social sciences, history, and politics. This is comprised of newspapers, magazines, periodicals, and books that are visible upon entry.
Address: Perú 130, C1067AAD Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 10AM – 6PM
– Saturday and Sunday: Closed
