The oldest bookstore in Argentina and America is located in the City of Buenos Aires. If this doesn’t catch your attention, perhaps the fact that that same bookstore is considered one of the oldest in the world does. We are referring to nothing more and nothing less than the Ávila Bookstore.
Located in the Monserrat neighborhood, a few meters from the Plaza de Mayo, the Ávila Bookstore was a direct witness to the growth of the City of Buenos Aires since the end of the 18th century.
In its origins, it was known as the Colegio Librería (due to its proximity to the National School of Buenos Aires). After a period of abandonment as a result of its bankruptcy and when everything seemed to indicate that it would become a fast food store, it was acquired by Miguel de Ávila. Since 1994, the Ávila Bookstore has continued the historical legacy and awaits your visit.
La Librería de Ávila (Buenos Aires): Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit
What is the Librería de Ávila?
La Librería de Ávila is the oldest bookstore in the City of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the Americas. It is also considered the oldest in the world, at least among those still in operation. Founded in 1785, this bookstore played a significant role in the nation’s development.
Early History and Role in the Revolution
When the territory was part of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, the building was a simple construction with adobe walls and a thatched roof. It sold not only books but also medicinal herbs and gaucho supplies.
After becoming the first house in the City, the bookstore served as a refuge for key figures of the May Revolution of 1810, such as Manuel Belgrano, Juan José Castelli, Mariano Moreno, and Juan José Paso. They sought books from France, the birthplace of the still fresh French Revolution.
Transition to Librería del Colegio
The construction of the Buenos Aires National College in 1863 was significant for the bookstore, which then became known as “Librería del Colegio.”
In 1926, the old bookstore was demolished, and a new one was built in its place, occupying the ground floor and basement of a residential building designed by architect Ángel Pascual and engineer Luis Migone, where it remains today.
Prominent Clients and Modern Challenges
Among the illustrious customers of Librería de Ávila (formerly Librería del Colegio) were prominent figures like Bartolomé Mitre, Domingo Sarmiento, and Nicolás Avellaneda (former Argentine presidents), and renowned writers such as Leopoldo Lugones, Roberto Arlt, Jorge Luis Borges, Adolfo Bioy Casares, and Victoria Ocampo.
However, the 20th century witnessed the bookstore’s bankruptcy. In the 1980s, its inventory was auctioned off, and the building remained closed for eight years.
Revival by Miguel Ávila
It was then that Miguel Ávila decided to purchase it and name it after himself, understanding that he was rescuing an essential part of Argentine culture from becoming a fast-food outlet.
Previously the owner of the Fray Mocho bookstore, Miguel Ávila acquired Librería del Colegio in 1994, renaming it while maintaining its traditional style and specializing in old books, antique magazines, rare editions, and historical oddities. The basement houses a literary café.
Current Collections and Cultural Significance
Librería de Ávila holds treasures, a vast collection of used books, and a catalog of recent publications. If you are a fan of history, sociology, philosophy, literature, or any genre, Librería de Ávila is a place to “indulge” in books. The bookstore has been declared a site of cultural interest and historical heritage by government authorities.
It is open from Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 6:30 PM, and on Saturdays from 10 AM to 2:30 PM.
Where is the Librería de Ávila located?
Librería de Ávila is located in the Monserrat neighborhood, at the corner of Alsina and Bolívar streets. This area is surrounded by offices, government buildings, and historical monuments, forming the heart of Buenos Aires’ historic district.
One block north of Librería de Ávila is Plaza de Mayo, the most important square in Buenos Aires with significant historical and political relevance for Argentines. Around it are crucial buildings such as the Government House, the Ministry of Economy, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Buenos Aires Cabildo.
Nearby are the Historic Cultural Complex of the Manzana de las Luces, the Farmacia de la Estrella (one of Buenos Aires’ oldest pharmacies), the San Telmo neighborhood, and the Puerto Madero area. Therefore, it is a typically touristy area, ideal for exploring as a destination or as a stop on your way to the south or north.
Also nearby is Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world, providing a vital road corridor from San Telmo to Retiro (South-North of Buenos Aires). Heading west will take you to other iconic Buenos Aires neighborhoods like Balvanera, Boedo, and Caballito.
How to get to the Librería de Ávila?
The best way to reach Librería de Ávila is by subway. All subway lines, except the H, have stations relatively close to the bookstore located at the corner of Bolívar and Alsina. Of all the subway lines, the E line is the closest, with its Bolívar station just one block from Librería de Ávila.
Several bus lines that run near Plaza de Mayo can also take you to Librería de Ávila. Depending on your starting point, these include lines 28, 24, 29, 86, 56, 64, 7, 111, 50, 146, and 67. Remember that on Avenida 9 de Julio, just a few blocks from Librería de Ávila, there is the Metrobus, an exclusive lane for various bus lines.
Why should you visit the Librería de Ávila?
Discover the Oldest Bookstore in Argentina, America, and Possibly the World
It is known that Librería de Ávila is the oldest bookstore in Argentina and America. However, academic and foreign research suggests it might also be the oldest in the world among those still in operation. Over 200 years of history cannot go unnoticed by any traveler, especially book and library lovers.
Explore for Your Next Book
To take home a book, nothing beats exploring each shelf of Librería de Ávila. Remember that the bookstore has two floors, each with different collections. The bookstore staff is available on both floors to assist you.
Take Home a Book
Upon arriving at Librería de Ávila, you might see stands displaying used books for sale. You don’t even need to enter the bookstore to encounter the first books in its collection. This reflects the mission of Librería de Ávila.
You can browse Librería de Ávila without any obligation to purchase, as they understand the place’s significance to Argentina and Buenos Aires. However, it’s nearly impossible not to succumb to the temptation of buying a book while exploring such an extensive collection of publications.
We’re not just talking about new books but also second-hand publications. Some show the passage of time in their pages and covers, while others are true collector’s items.
Take Some Photos and Videos
Besides taking home a book, we recommend capturing some beautiful photos and videos of Librería de Ávila. The place, with its wooden shelves and “old-fashioned” ambiance, creates an intriguing intellectual atmosphere that will reflect in your snapshots.
