Perhaps because it’s on the fringes of the city’s main cultural and tourist routes, in a corner between Martim Moniz and Campo Santana, the truth is that the São Lazaro Library is still largely unknown.
The São Lázaro Municipal Library is the oldest public library in Lisbon, having opened in 1883.
It is located in the parish of Arroios, and is an important cultural and historical landmark in the city.
It has a diverse collection of more than 20,000 documents, including children’s books, literature of various styles, technical manuals, magazines, newspapers, CDs and DVDs.
The building that houses the São Lázaro Municipal Library is also an example of erudite neoclassical architecture, reflecting the historical and cultural richness of the area.
From the outside, it doesn’t attract much attention and even from the entrance it will look like a normal library , but wait until you visit the Great Hall, the library’s main landmark.
Hexagonally arranged and lined with fine woods, it’s an austere place with an almost magical aura that wouldn’t look out of place in a Harry Potter movie.
The whole scene is there: a huge chandelier in the center, bookshelves full of books and even a curious spiral staircase that leads up to the mezzanine that surrounds the room.
Its cultural importance
As well as being an important and distinguished reading and research center, Lisbon’s oldest public library also plays a significant role in promoting interculturality in the city.
As part of its contribution to society, it is very common for the library to celebrate its anniversary every year, as well as organizing small events that bring all kinds of audiences to this space , from 8 to 80.
Children, for example, can take part in story time, workshops, yoga and creative dance sessions, while adults have the Reading Club, as well as book presentations.
Over a century old, the São Lázaro Municipal Library has served many generations of Lisbon residents.
Go there and discover this well-kept secret of Lisbon. Among so many bookshelves, who knows if you’ll find the book of your life.
For book lovers it’s a real paradise, but for the rest of us it’s interesting, if only for the history and beauty of the space.
Address: Rua do Saco 1 (Arroios)
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m
Access: free