Curious about a library housed in a historic mansion? We’re standing before Biblioteca Narbal Fontes. It is more than just a repository of books. It is a journey through time.
The Biblioteca Narbal Fontes stands in the Alto de Santana neighborhood. This is one of the oldest areas in S\u00e3o Paulo’s North Zone. The library’s story began in 1951. Its doors officially opened in 1954. This was thanks to a law signed by then-mayor Lineu Prestes.
Look closely at the building. It was constructed in 1925. Its European style is dominant. The solid structure shows rich architectural detail. It once belonged to the Baruel family. They were a traditional family from Santana. Back then, this area was known as Ch\u00e1cara Baruel. The Biblioteca Narbal Fontes still preserves vestiges of that era.
Francisco Ant\u00f4nio Baruel was one of the first landowners here. In 1852 he acquired a large plot of land. He cultivated rice beans corn and sugarcane. As his wealth grew he built mansions on the property including the Palacete Baruel in 1879.
Later Francisco Nicolau Baruel a trained pharmacist founded Farm\u00e1cia Baruel. It eventually became a hygiene industry in S\u00e3o Paulo. In 1925 Francisco Nicolau built this house for his daughter Maria Baruel Galv\u00e3o Bueno. She lived here until her father’s death in 1928.
Over time the property was divided and sold. Some politicians wanted the Ch\u00e1cara Baruel to be used for social assistance. They considered using one of the buildings as a children’s library. But lack of funds made the project unfeasible.
The municipality acquired part of the ch\u00e1cara through a legal process against Maria Bueno. Professor Val\u00e9rio Giuli played a crucial role in establishing the library. After renovations the house opened to the public in 1954.
The Biblioteca Narbal Fontes initially called Biblioteca Infantil de Santana. It was renamed in honor of Narbal Fontes in 1973. He was a doctor writer and educator. Narbal Fontes was born in 1899. He dedicated his life to didactic literature. He co-authored plays poems and novels with his wife Of\u00e9lia Fontes.
The Biblioteca Narbal Fontes building underwent renovations in 1984 and 2006. These preserved its original Norman style. Today the library houses around 32000 books. It also offers cultural events such as meetings with writers exhibitions and workshops. The Biblioteca Narbal Fontes serves around 2000 people every month.
As you leave take one last look at the Biblioteca Narbal Fontes. It represents the history and culture of Santana. It is a place where the past meets the present. The library continues to inspire and educate future generations.