Explore Barcelona’s literary heritage with 13 stunning libraries every book lover should visit on their trip to the Catalan capital.
Barcelona’s well-established literary heritage, combined with its extensive network of libraries, appeals to book lovers worldwide. For those who reach the Catalan capital, these are 13 libraries that you should visit.
Biblioteca de Catalunya
Set in the old Hospital de la Santa Creu, the Biblioteca de Catalunya’s collection of almost 4 million materials is enough to get any bibliophile excited. Here, you can explore plenty of covers, maps, manuscripts, and periodicals, many of which are focused on Catalonia.
Biblioteca de Catalunya’s appeal also lies in its building, which is draped in Gothic features, including dramatic arches that frame the structure. Additionally, the surrounding gardens invite you to take a peaceful stroll after a reading session.
Address: Carrer de l’Hospital, 56, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 9AM – 8PM
– Saturday: 9AM – 2PM
– Sunday: Closed
Biblioteca Pública Arús
Initially set up in 1895 to provide a space for the working class to receive an education, the Biblioteca Pública Arús houses more than 80,000 volumes. Much of the collection focuses on topics such as social movements, anarchism, and freemasonry. Visitors can also access a range of additional materials, including manuscripts and other relevant documents.
Its layout is striking, with two levels of bookcases encircling the room, and a central casket of written pieces topped by a globe.
Address: Pg. de St. Joan, 26, L’Eixample, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 11AM – 3PM
– Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Biblioteca Gabriel García Márquez
A prime stop for literary fans in the district of Sant Martí de Provençals, it’s no wonder Biblioteca Gabriel García Márquez won the Best New Public Library of 2023 award. Between its innovative design and the incredible lineup of Latin American-focused architecture, it’s a delight to experience.
Throughout the multi-level facility, you’ll encounter all sorts of quirky elements that make you want to stick around and settle in with a book, such as hammocks and swinging chairs.
Address: Plaça Carmen Balcells Segalà, 1, 08020 Barcelona, Spain
Opening hours:
– Monday and Wednesday: 9:30AM – 1:30PM and 3:30PM – 8:30PM
– Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 9:30AM – 8:30PM
– Saturday: 10AM – 2PM and 4AM – 8PM
– Sunday: 10AM – 2PM
Montserrat Abelló Public Library
Having only recently opened to the public in 2018, the Montserrat Abelló Public Library was named in honor of the well-known poet Montserrat Abelló. It offers a diverse inventory, with many past visitors praising its stock of comics, manga, and graphic novels.
Wooden bookcases line the open interior, while overhead windows flood the space with natural light, creating a welcoming ambiance for users.
Address: Carrer dels Comtes de Bell-Lloc, 192, 200, Les Corts, 08014 Barcelona, Spain
Opening hours:
– Monday, Thursday, and Friday: 9:30AM – 1:30PM and 3:30PM – 8:30PM
– Tuesday and Wednesday: 9:30AM – 8:30PM
– Saturday: 10AM – 2PM and 4PM – 8PM
Sant Pau – Santa Creu Public Library
Placed in the famed Hospital de Sant Pau, if the Santa Creu Public Library’s unique assortment of titles on Arab culture doesn’t excite you, its beautiful brick-walled building certainly will. Popular with both students and readers alike, visitors can enjoy free entry without needing to book in advance.
Another Gothic masterpiece, the interior is incredible. The way the vaulted brick ceilings and ribbed arches soar overhead while modern shelves fill the room creates a contrast that’s a delight to witness.
Address: Carrer del Carme, 47, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Opening hours:
– Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 3PM – 8PM
– Tuesday and Thursday: 9:30AM – 1:30PM and 3PM – 8PM
– Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Biblioteca Vapor Vell
Elements of the old Vapor Vell factory still live on through one of Barcelona’s most sought-after libraries, Biblioteca Vapor Vell. In the heart of the Sants district, the city council opened this library back in 2000, returning it to its former glory with a literary twist.
Although English-language materials are limited, you can still find some if you’re willing to look around; however, it’s best to ask a staff member for assistance. In addition to its extensive literary holdings, the library also has a children’s area and a study room.
Address: Passatge del Vapor Vell, 1, Distrito de Sants-Montjuïc, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Opening hours:
– Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 9:30AM – 1:30PM and 3:30PM – 8:30PM
– Tuesday and Friday: 9:30AM – 8:30PM
– Saturday: 10AM – 2PM
– Sunday: Closed
Biblioteca Camp de l’Arpa – Caterina Albert
Adding to Barcelona’s list of libraries housed in repurposed industrial spaces, Biblioteca Camp de l’Arpa – Caterina Albert occupies the former Alchemika plastics factory. Its design balances the building’s inventive past with sleek white interiors and dynamic architectural details.
The library’s curated works echo the structure’s historic creative spirit, with a strong focus on handicrafts and a diverse range of international literature.
Address: Carrer de la Indústria, 295, Sant Martí, 08041 Barcelona, Spain
Opening hours:
– Monday and Wednesday: 3:30PM – 8PM
– Tuesday and Thursday: 9:30AM – 1:30PM and 3:30PM – 8PM
– Friday to Sunday: Closed
Biblioteca El Carmel – Juan Marsé
If you’re into novels, swing by Biblioteca El Carmel – Juan Marsé, where the list of narrative works is never-ending. From pieces dating back to the 20th century to fictional stories released in our time, anyone who enjoys a good tale will be in their element here.
On the grounds, there’s also a cafeteria that serves coffee and other hot drinks, which you can take upstairs to the terrace to soak up the views while chatting with other librarygoers.
Address: Carrer de la Murtra, 135, 145, Horta-Guinardó, 08032 Barcelona, Spain
Opening hours:
– Monday to Thursday: 9:30AM – 1:30 PM and 3:30PM – 8PM
– Friday to Sunday: Closed
Biblioteca Joan Miró
Occupying a part of Parc Joan Miró, the Biblioteca Joan Miró takes its name from the famous artist, Joan Miró. Inside, you’ll find wooden tables and thoughtfully arranged shelves for easy browsing, plus cylindrical hanging lights that give the space an inviting glow.
It’s not a huge library, but the book selection is exceptional, especially if you’re into comics. There’s also a reading corner, a study area, and a kids’ section all under one roof.
Address: Carrer de Vilamarí, 61, L’Eixample, 08015 Barcelona, Spain
Opening hours:
– Monday: 3:30PM – 8PM
– Tuesday to Thursday: 9:30AM – 1:30PM and 3:30PM – 8PM
– Friday to Sunday: Closed
St Gervasi- Joan Maragall Library
Located in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi area, the St. Gervasi–Joan Maragall Library is devoted to all things literary. The archive encompasses materials related to the written word, from texts on the history of books to works about reading in general.
One thing that makes St. Gervasi–Joan Maragall Library visually appealing is that it’s delightfully unconventional, with its exposed shelving, bright lighting, minimalist white tones, and sleek, modern brick accents.
Address: Carrer de Sant Gervasi de Cassoles, 85, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
Opening hours:
– Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 9:30AM – 1:30PM and 3:30PM – 8:30PM
– Tuesday and Thursday: 9:30AM – 8:30PM
– Saturday: 10AM – 2PM
– Sunday: Closed
Biblioteca Francesca Bonnemaison
Biblioteca Francesca Bonnemaison, found on Carrer de Sant Pere Més Baix, is renowned for its extensive gallery of feminist writings. The premises also have a rich past, dating back to the 16th or 17th century, with some standout characteristics, including an intricate stone façade and ornate wrought-iron balconies.
Much of the library’s specialization focuses on women, including books by female authors, works about notable women in history, and materials devoted to women’s experiences.
Address: Carrer de Sant Pere Més Baix, 7, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Opening hours:
– Monday and Thursday: 3PM – 8PM
– Tuesday and Friday: 9:30AM – 1:30PM and 3PM – 8PM
– Wednesday: 9:30AM – 8PM
– Saturday and Sunday: Closed
CRAI Biblioteca de Fons Antic Universitat de Barcelona UB
CRAI Biblioteca de Fons Antic at the University of Barcelona (UB) is bound to stay with you long after you’ve left. Its wealth of antique books is truly remarkable, complemented by a variety of other rare materials such as manuscripts, engravings, and unique historical documents that make it stand out from other libraries.
Walking through the library feels like stepping into another era, especially when you encounter its vintage interiors. The space is filled with towering glass-cased books, glossy dark brown wood, and finely crafted wooden carvings.
Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 585, L’Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Opening hours:
– Monday to Thursday: 8:30AM – 8:30PM
– Friday: 8:30AM – 3PM
– Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Dipòsit de les Aigües
Constructed in 1874 as a water tower, Dipòsit de les Aigües still appears almost brand new, with its soaring arches and monumental columns. Now part of Universitat Pompeu Fabra, the sheer architectural allure of this space makes it worth a visit even for those uninterested in books.
Dipòsit de les Aigües radiates an undeniable elegance. The way the shelves and tables combine with the exposed brickwork creates a classy yet cozy atmosphere.
Address: Carrer de Ramon Trias Fargas, 25, 27, Sant Martí, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 8AM – 9PM
– Saturday and Sunday: 10AM – 9PM
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Adam Ryan
Adam is a distinguished content writer, bookworm, and full-time adventurer with a constant craving for coffee. When he's not working, he loves exploring remote corners of the world, immersing himself in different cultures, and writing about his experiences.
