Almost ready for some quiet study time? We’ve got the best libraries in Madrid.
Maybe with all the weekend trips, nightlife, and city adventures it’s hard to fit studying into your packed schedule. While it seems like it’s nice to work in one of the trendy cafes in the center, you will probably notice you need peace and quiet to get serious work done. For that reason, public libraries are necessary for getting you through your toughest weeks of the semester. Most noteworthy is free access at almost all locations but some require registration. Hence, you should probably bring a form of ID (Passport or TIE) when you visit one of the local libraries.
Retiro: Municipal Public Library Eugenio Trías
Location: Paseo Fernán Núñez, 24 28009 Madrid
- Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Saturdays: 9:10 a.m. 5:50 p.m.
- Sundays: 9:10 a.m. – 1:50 p.m.
Commute:
- Metro: Ibiza
- Bus: 20, 26, 63, 152 and Circular
Maybe you’ve already walked around El Retiro, but what you probably didn’t know is that the park also has a library. Due to the fact that it’s a new library that’s been open since 2013, it’s modern when it comes to its resources. First of all, the upper level has even more books, newspapers, and magazines. Also, the lower level has computer rooms, cubicles and study rooms. For the reason that these areas can fill up fast with students we recommend going early. Finally, the best part about this library is when you’re done you can contemplate all the knowledge you’ve learned on a nice walk through the park.
Alonso Martinez: Mario Vargas Llosa Public Library
Location: Calle Barceló, 4, 28004 Madrid
- Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Commute:
- Metro: Alonso Martínez
- Bus: 3, 21, 37, 40, 147, 149
Located in the Chamartín area is a free library…yes free to the public. Certainly there will be many students here since there are different universities around the area. Also, the Museo del Romanticismo and Museo de Historia de Madrid are near which are great for the artistic type. Likewise, you won’t have trouble finding space here because it’s situated with long tables and a ton of outlets. Maybe you want your friends to come along or do group work? If so, this is a great place to do it.
Aluche/Latina: Ángel González Public Library
Location: C/ Granja de Torrehermosa, 1, 28024 Madrid
- Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Saturdays: 9:10 a.m. to 5:50 p.m.
- Sundays: 9:10 a.m. to 1:50 p.m.
Commute:
- Metro: Campamento
Bus: 25, 36, 39, 65, 121, 131, 138, H
Due to you wanting some serious quiet this is the library that offers that to you. Because the building is isolated from all direct views of the street, this allows there to be little to no noise. Certainly this isn’t a dungeon and there is sunlight which comes in from the courtyards creating good study lighting. The building is white concrete with a solid basalt base and as a result will stand out for its brightness. The interior is always lit which is even more of a warm welcome at night allowing you to get into study mood. Most noteworthy are the services which include a meeting hall and a 24/7 study room.
Embajadores: Pedro Salinas Library
Location: Glorieta Puerta de Toledo, 1, 28005 Madrid
- Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Saturday: CLOSED
- Sunday: CLOSED
Commute:
- Metro: Puerta Toledo
- Bus: C, 3, 17, 18, 23, 35, 41, 60, 148
- Cercanías: Ambassadors
Another is Pedro Salinas, which is a part of Network of Public Libraries of the Community of Madrid. This Public Library was inaugurated in 1994 and named after Pedro Salinas, who was a Spanish poet and also a writer. He was born and spent his youth in Madrid’s Calle Toledo, hence the reason that the library is located there. While the facility has 219 cubicles for studying, consequently only 20 of those have Internet. Even though it’s only a small amount the library does have access to free Wi-Fi so bring your laptop!
Paseo del Arte: Library de Arte Reina Sofía
Location: Ronda de Atocha, 2, 28012 Madrid
- Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Saturday: CLOSED
- Sunday: CLOSED
Commute:
- Metro: Estación del Arte
- Bus: 6, 10, 14, 19, 26, 27, 32, 34, 36, 37, 41, 45, 59, 85, 86, 102, 119, C1, C2, E1
- Cercanías: Atocha
Finally, is the Reina Sofia library which was inaugurated in 1990. Also, you can visit the reading room which is located on the the lower floors of the Nouvel Building, and the materials are free resources so no charge there. Another reason this is a great place to study is the nice mood lighting which makes the perfect place to pop in your headphones and zone out while reading or taking notes. For the reason that you will need a library card to have access you probably want to make sure to bring a form of ID with you.
Ambassadors/Center: La Casa Encendida
Location: Ronda de Valencia, 2, 28012 Madrid
- Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
- Monday: CLOSED
Commute:
- Metro: Embajadores and Lavapiés
- Bus:27, 34, 36, 41, 119, C1 and C2
- Cercanías: Embajadores and Atocha
Because this isn’t a library we weren’t sure to add, but felt it was worth sharing. La Casa Encendida is a meeting place where certainly everyone is welcome. The building is a rather dynamic space where people can find great activities that revolve around the centre’s four main spheres of action. These are the Arts, Solidarity, Environment, and Education. As a result, you will get some work done and also get inspired by others around you.
Need a study break?
Maybe you’re through with studying or just need a break. So come hang out with Smart Insiders at one our upcoming visits, tours, and events.