Welcome to Madrid
The National Library (Biblioteca Nacional) was founded by King Philip V at the end of 1711 (known at this time as the Real Biblioteca or Royal Library), and opened its doors for the first time in March of 1712. It houses a copy of every single book published in Spain, as well as a valuable collection of incunables, manuscripts, prints, drawings, photographs, maps, sound recordings, scores, etc. It also has additional premises in Alcalá de Henares.
The Biblioteca Nacional raises awareness about the bibliographic heritage it houses through its catalogue and the compilation of the Spanish Bibliography. It also offers public services including consultation rooms and remote services through its webpage, as well as specialist bibliographic information services and inter-library loans. In order to consult these collections, you must have a reader's or researchers' card.
The Library has a free Museum and Exhibition Rooms, so that members of the public can find out more about the collections, the history of the National Library and how it operates.
The National Library also includes the National Newspaper and Periodicals Library, which thanks to the digitalization process started in 2007, gives the public online access to historical and modern Spanish newspapers that are part of the National Library’s collection.
Accessibility
People with reduced mobility can access the National Library from the ground floor and use the lifts. Furthermore, the Library’s Reception staff will accompany all visitors who require assistance.
There is unimpeded access to the Exhibition Halls and the Auditorium, which are located on the ground floor.
The lift can be used to visit the National Library’s Museum, which is located on Floor -1.
The Library also has two wheelchairs, which are located on the ground floor.
There are also parking spaces reserved for disabled users, magnifying glasses, adapted IT devices, adapted collections and on-line services to deal with queries remotely.
The various library rooms have magnifying glasses which are available to users. In the General Reading Room, there is one desk with a magnifying glass to view requested material.
Furthermore, the library has a collection of books in Braille and all types of recordings, including audio books. There is also an Archive of the Spoken Word, which includes radio recordings, speeches, etc.
Various devices are available to read or listen to such material: books in Braille, which are displayed in our catalogue with their corresponding call numbers, can be requested using the book request system in each room; there are listening booths in the library’s Barbieri Room to listen to recordings or audiovisual material.
Docking stations:
- Biblioteca Nacional (Paseo de Recoletos, 20)
- Plaza de Colón (calle Goya, 1)
Free admission.
Official Toursim Website
