Ever wonder where Spain safeguards its cultural soul? It’s right here at the Biblioteca Nacional de España. This isn’t just Madrid’s largest library. It is one of the largest libraries worldwide.
Founded in 1711 by King Philip V, the National Library of Spain began as the Royal Library. Philip V decreed that every printer in Spain must submit a copy of each book to the library. This was the precursor to the legal deposit requirement we know today. In 1836, the library became the National Library of Spain.
Look at the National Library of Spain’s impressive neoclassical facade. Queen Isabel II commissioned its construction in 1865. It was finally completed in 1892.
Step inside and imagine the vastness of its collection. The National Library of Spain boasts over 26 million items. This includes 15 million books and printed materials. There are also manuscripts, newspapers, graphic materials and music scores.
Did you know the National Library of Spain also functions as a museum? It showcases Spain’s written history and culture. Exhibits feature illuminated manuscripts and ancient texts. You can even find 17th-century copies of Cervantes’ Don Quixote.
In 1986, the National Library of Spain became the State Repository of Spain’s Cultural Memory. It ensures all Spanish publications are available to researchers. The library’s main goal is to identify, preserve, and share information about Spain’s heritage.
Access to the library’s resources is extensive. There are reading rooms and interlibrary loan services. The library also provides guidance and information about its collections. Its online catalog contains close to 3 million records.
The National Library of Spain isn’t just a repository of books. It’s a living monument to Spanish culture. Take a moment to appreciate its role in preserving Spain’s intellectual heritage for generations to come. It stands as a beacon of knowledge. It is a testament to the power of words and ideas.