Can you smell the hops? A faint aroma, a ghostly reminder of what this place, the Biblioteca Regional Joaquín Leguina, once was. Before books filled these halls, the scent of brewing beer, the clatter of machinery, and the shouts of workers permeated the air. This was the “El Águila” brewery, a bustling hub of industry in the Arganzuela district of Madrid. The Biblioteca Regional Joaquín Leguina stands as a testament to transformation, a symbol of Madrid’s dedication to knowledge and culture.
The library opened its doors on December 10, 2002. It was named after Joaquín Leguina, the first president of the autonomous community of Madrid after the Spanish transition to democracy. The building itself is a fascinating blend of old and new. The original structure, designed by German engineer Langeloth and overseen by architect Jimenez Corera, boasts striking 19th-century industrial architecture. In 1985, the brewery closed its doors. Years later, architects Emilio Tuñón and Luis Mansilla reimagined the space, transforming the brewery into the modern library we see today. The Biblioteca Regional Joaquín Leguina is part of the larger El Águila Complex, a vibrant cultural space.
The library’s mission is to gather, preserve, and share the bibliographic heritage of Madrid. It houses an impressive collection of over 80,000 documents related to Madrid, spanning from the 17th century to the present day. This “Colección Madrileña” includes works by Madrid-born authors and publications created within the Community of Madrid. The library also receives a copy of every work published in Madrid through the Legal Deposit system, adding approximately 50,000 documents annually. This includes books, pamphlets, maps, sheet music, postcards, posters, videos, and even Blu-rays. Imagine the sheer volume of knowledge contained within these walls.
The Biblioteca Regional Joaquín Leguina also boasts specialized collections. These include a comprehensive collection on library science and documentation, a reference section with encyclopedias and dictionaries, and the Eurobiblioteca focused on European topics. There’s even a historical map collection dating back to the 17th century. The library also plays a vital role in the Digital Library of the Community of Madrid (BDCM), digitizing and preserving historical documents for future generations. As you explore the library, imagine the countless stories held within its collection. From ancient maps charting the city’s growth to modern-day publications capturing the pulse of Madrid, the Biblioteca Regional Joaquín Leguina offers a window into the region’s rich past and vibrant present. This place is more than just a library. It is a living archive, a testament to the power of knowledge and the enduring spirit of Madrid.