The National Library of Spain is a building made in the neoclassical style and it is the largest library in Spain, and one of the largest in the world. Very nice and attractive looking, with three arches and wrought iron doors, large access steps and pillars raised above the main entrance, it may seem to be one of the most beautiful libraries you will see. In front of the entrance there are several sculptures, and inside the library there are some works of art which makes it even more impressive.
It was founded by King Philip V at the end of 1711 and today represents the Royal Library, that is, in that year the king gave approval to establish a library, and in 1716 it became public. The door was open to all those eager to learn and explore. The collections it contained at the very beginning concerned the private collections of the then kings. King Philip V issued an order to bring books from France (6000 books) and to exhibit some of the books that belonged to noble families in Spain. In 1715, the Royal Library had 28.424 printed books, 1.282 written documents and 20.000 orders. In 1750, the Royal Council had the right to take over the books that were in bookstores which were closing. Bookstores were required to submit a list of books, and the library took those that were missing from its holdings.
Over time, the library expanded its collection with donations and purchases. During the 19th century, it acquired numerous ancient and very valuable literary works. Due to the expansion of its collections from year to year, the building has repeatedly reorganized its interior space and its premises. For the same reason, additional premises were provided in Alcala de Henares. In the building in which it is located, the National Library was opened on March 6, 1896. The library has a large collection of literary works, newspapers, maps, posters, paintings, greeting cards, drawings, letters, atlases, various audio and visual materials. It contains a numerous collection of incunabula, manuscripts and books of great importance and value.
Since 2007, thanks to digitalization, the library has the National Library of Newspapers, where historical and modern Spanish newspapers are displayed. The roof is shared with the National Archaeological Museum. It has free museum and exhibition rooms to get better acquainted with the National Library and its work. The building also houses statues of Alfonso X (the Wise) and San Isidro. General room: Monographic works from the 16th century onwards, encyclopedias, dictionaries, catalogs and directories. In 1836, the Royal Library was renamed the "National Library of Spain"
Author of the text:
Maja Glavaš, Bachelor with Honours in Communicology. Works in Tourism.
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Photo credit: Tim Van Cleef
