Curious about where to find a serene study spot or immerse yourself in Argentina’s rich literary tradition? Look no further, as ExpatPathways brings you “The 10 Best Libraries in Buenos Aires,” your ultimate guide to discovering the city’s top literary havens.
Whether you’re a digital nomad in search of a peaceful workspace, a traveler on the hunt for Buenos Aires’ cultural jewels, or an expat desiring to connect with local history and art, our carefully selected list will lead you to libraries where majestic architecture meets vast repositories of knowledge.
From historical institutions bearing the legacy of literary giants to modern centers buzzing with educational activities, let us take you on a literary journey through Buenos Aires, enriching your experience in this vibrant city.
The Best Libraries in Buenos Aires
1. Mariano Moreno National Library
Location: Agüero 2502, Recoleta.
The Mariano Moreno National Library, situated in the distinguished Recoleta neighborhood, stands as the paramount library of Argentina, boasting an extensive collection that encompasses over two million volumes, including manuscripts, books, periodicals, photographs, maps, engravings, audiovisuals, and scores.
This iconic institution, with its origins dating back to 1810 and founded by Mariano Moreno, has evolved through various locations, with the current brutalist architecture-designed building offering not just a treasure trove of books but also spectacular views of the Río de la Plata and the city.
The library’s significant holdings, such as the Gutenberg Bible folio and an impressive collection of 16th and 17th-century volumes housed in the Sala del Tesoro, alongside its comprehensive hemeroteca, position it as a critical resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike.
Its dedication to preserving the nation’s cultural and intellectual heritage is further exemplified by the Museum of the Book and Language, offering interactive exhibitions that delve into the national culture and the Spanish language’s nuances, making it a must-visit for anyone keen to explore Argentina’s rich literary and cultural landscape.
2. House Reading / Library Julio Cortazar
Location: Lavalleja 924, Villa Crespo.
House Reading / Library Julio Cortazar, nestled in the vibrant Villa Crespo neighborhood, serves as a haven for modern narrative literature, hosting over 7,000 volumes.
Since its inception in 1984, this library has transitioned through several locales before finding its permanent home in 2008, providing a serene and well-equipped environment for reading and study, complete with WiFi and spacious desks.
Renowned for its excellent service and the peaceful ambiance of its reading rooms, including a special section for children, the library caters to a wide audience ranging from scholars to young readers. Its thoughtful layout, inclusive of an interior patio where visitors may eat, and the diverse catalog make it an exceptional spot for those seeking silence and inspiration.
The library’s commitment to maintaining a tranquil study space, coupled with the professional staff’s helpfulness, marks it as one of Buenos Aires’ finest libraries, deserving of frequent visits from locals and tourists eager to immerse themselves in literary exploration.
3. Library of the Faculty of Economic Sciences of the UBA
Location: Pres. José Evaristo Uriburu 763, Recoleta.
The Library of the Faculty of Economic Sciences of the UBA, a cornerstone of academic and public library services in Buenos Aires, is deeply committed to supporting the teaching, research, study, and outreach activities of the Faculty of Economic Sciences.
With a team of 31 members, it plays a pivotal role in selecting, acquiring, organizing, and preserving information resources across various formats, ensuring access to a wealth of relevant materials.
This library excels in user services, offering general guidance on bibliographic searches and access to an array of resources including encyclopedias, dictionaries, manuals, legislation, jurisprudence, internet, and databases.
Its mission to contribute to the dissemination of knowledge generated within the faculty and foster user autonomy in information utilization marks it as an invaluable asset for students, educators, and researchers alike.
4. Ricardo Güiraldes Library
Location: Av. Hipólito Yrigoyen 1750, Plaza Congreso.
The Ricardo Güiraldes Library, also known as the Central Library, not only serves as a hub for the General Directorate of Books and Reading Promotion but also coordinates a network of 29 public libraries across the city.
Housed in a neo-Tudor style petit hotel built in 1921 and rich in historical and architectural significance, this library offers a warm, human touch to its services, providing a serene environment for study and research.
It is praised for its cozy atmosphere, efficient staff, and the variety of events and support services it offers to the community.
With its unique charm, significant collection, and dedication to fostering a love for reading and learning, the Biblioteca Ricardo Güiraldes stands out as a cultural treasure in Buenos Aires, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its rich literary offerings.
5. Library of Congress of the Nation
Location: Av. Hipólito Yrigoyen 1750, Plaza Congreso.
The Library of Congress of the Nation, founded in 1859, plays a crucial role in promoting development and social equity throughout Argentina by providing free access to information and knowledge.
It serves legislators, researchers, and the general public, specializing in legal matters and boasting one of the country’s most significant documentary collections, with over three million bibliographic pieces.
The library’s extensive hemeroteca includes more than 7,000 titles of Argentine and foreign newspapers and magazines. In addition to its primary function, it has embraced a cultural role with its new administrative and cultural space inaugurated in 2012 at Adolfo Alsina 1835, featuring a microcinema among other facilities for exhibitions and educational workshops.
Praised for its exceptional service, comprehensive activity schedule, and educational programs, the library offers guided tours and internet access, making it a treasure trove of resources and a beacon of learning in Buenos Aires.
6. Evaristo Carriego Library
Location: Honduras 3784, Palermo.
The Evaristo Carriego Library, situated in Palermo on the famed Honduras street, occupies the historic residence of the poet Evaristo Carriego, marking a special tribute to his life and works.
Following its establishment by law in 1975 and subsequent expropriation in 1977, the building underwent significant restoration and adaptation, leading to its opening to the public in 1981.
It now hosts the Raúl González Tuñón poetry library and the House of Poetry, holding collections of notable poets like Amelia Biagioni and Héctor Yánover, among others.
The library’s focus on poetry, coupled with its serene environment and cultural offerings, including courses and a smoking patio, offers a unique space for literary exploration and homage to Argentina’s poetic heritage.
This library, through its preservation and promotion of poetry, invites visitors to delve into the tranquil world of verse within the bustling city of Buenos Aires.
7. Alfonsina Storni Library
Location: Venezuela 1538, Monserrat.
The Alfonsina Storni Library, inaugurated on May 8, 1987, in the Monserrat neighborhood, pays homage to the renowned Argentine poet and feminist writer Alfonsina Storni.
This library focuses on promoting gender equality and feminism through its extensive collection, which spans history, psychology, philosophy, and other subjects pertinent to women and gender studies.
It houses an array of novels, short stories, poetry, and biographies, all aimed at exploring the multifaceted experiences of women.
The well-lit and comfortable reading room serves as a venue for workshops and talks on women’s issues and feminist literature, making it a vital resource and gathering space for those interested in the advancement of women’s rights and contributions to literature and society.
8. Benito Nazar Popular Library
Location: Antezana 340, Villa Crespo.
The Benito Nazar Popular Library, part of the Asociación Benito Nazar, is a civil society organization dedicated to promoting culture in the Villa Crespo neighborhood.
Established on February 23, 1927, on land donated by María Inés Nazar, daughter of General Benito Nazar, the library was intended to serve the public good and provide a community space for the neighborhood’s residents.
With a legal status granted in 1931, the association has been operating from its own building since 1932. Renamed in 1999, the Asociación Vecinal y Biblioteca Popular Gral. Benito Nazar continues to be a cornerstone of the community, offering a wide range of books for lending at a nominal monthly fee.
The library, nestled in front of a tranquil plaza, not only provides access to a wealth of literary resources but also hosts various group activities, sports, and cultural events, cementing its role as a beloved cultural and educational hub in Villa Crespo.
9. National Library of Teachers
Location: Pje. Pizzurno 953, Recoleta.
The National Library of Teachers, a public library embedded within the esteemed Palacio Pizzurno, is a beacon of educational and pedagogical resources in Argentina.
Established with a noble mission to assist educators, researchers, and the public by offering access to a comprehensive collection of over 220,000 items, this institution embodies the essence of academic enrichment and accessibility.
Its dedication to disseminating bibliographic heritage through modern cataloging, special collections, and a vibrant array of activities highlights its commitment to education and knowledge sharing.
Additionally, the architectural grandeur of Palacio Pizzurno adds a historical layer to the library’s appeal, inviting visitors not just to explore its academic treasures but also to appreciate the national monument’s splendor.
With free Wi-Fi, a welcoming atmosphere for study and research, and a policy that ensures the protection of its valuable resources, the National Library of Teachers stands as a pillar of educational support and cultural pride in Buenos Aires.
10. Public Library Miguel Cané
Location: Carlos Calvo 4319, Boedo.
The Public Library Miguel Cané, nestled in the traditional Buenos Aires neighborhood of Boedo, has garnered international acclaim not just for its literary collections but as the workplace of the illustrious Jorge Luis Borges from 1937 to 1946.
This library, where Borges penned his early stories, maintains a special room dedicated to his memory, complete with his desk, typewriter, and first editions of his works, attracting literary enthusiasts worldwide.
As part of the City’s Library Network, Miguel Cané continues to foster a love for reading through its lending services, cultural diffusion activities, and a catalog boasting 45,681 volumes, alongside a children’s annex and a multimedia room.
The library’s warm environment, courteous staff, and modern amenities like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and ample workspace ensure it remains a cherished community asset and a tribute to Argentina’s rich literary heritage.
(Featured image source: Luis Garriga/flickr.com)
