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Historic library · Puebla, Puebla
Biblioteca Palafoxiana
Public library founded in 1646, considered the first in the Americas, with three-tier cedar shelves and more than 40,000 old volumes.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Biblioteca Palafoxiana
The Biblioteca Palafoxiana was founded in 1646 by Bishop Juan de Palafox y Mendoza, who donated his roughly 5,000 books on the condition that they could be consulted by anyone. For that reason it is considered the first public library in the Americas.
The present hall, from 1773, has a long gallery with three levels of cedar and ayacahuite wood shelves, a vaulted ceiling and an altarpiece with the image of the Virgin of Trapani. The collection holds more than 40,000 volumes, including 15th-century incunabula.
The library is part of UNESCO's Memory of the World register since 2005. Visitors view the hall from an area near the entrance, without touching the books.
It is on the first floor of the former Casa de la Cultura, next to the cathedral.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half an hour.
Best time
In the morning. It usually closes on Mondays.
How to get there
In the Casa de la Cultura, on Avenida 5 Oriente, next to the cathedral, in downtown Puebla.
Tip
Read the entrance panels about the bishop's donation and the oldest books.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Biblioteca Palafoxiana
Why is the Palafoxiana the first public library in the Americas?
Because Bishop Palafox donated the books in 1646 on the condition that they be available for anyone to consult.
How many books does the Biblioteca Palafoxiana have?
More than 40,000 old volumes.
Is the Biblioteca Palafoxiana a heritage site?
It has been on UNESCO’s Memory of the World register since 2005.