Biblioteca Argentina Dr. Juan Alvarez
Located in the heart of Rosario, Argentina, the Biblioteca Argentina Dr. Juan Alvarez stands as the most significant library in both the city and the province of Santa Fe. Since its inception, it has served as a vital hub for knowledge, literacy, and cultural preservation for the local community.
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Key Facts
- Established: 1913
- Location: 731 Presidente Roca St., Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Collection Size: 186,000 books
- UN Status: Official Depository Library (DL-138) since 1957
- Capacity: Reading room accommodates 190 people
History and Foundation
The library was the vision of judge and historian Juan Álvarez (1878–1954). In 1909, Álvarez approached Mayor Isidro Quiroga, arguing that a city of 200,000 inhabitants lacked a public library capable of fulfilling its civic role with dignity. The project received authorization on November 10, 1909, and construction began at the Patio del Mercado.
The institution was officially inaugurated on July 24, 1912. During a lecture at the opening, Joaquín V. González, Head of La Plata University, established the library's enduring motto: "To know is to love, to ignore is to hate." This phrase remains printed at the entrance of the Reading Room today.
Evolution and Expansion
In 1912, a group called El Círculo de la Biblioteca was formed to organize art exhibitions, lectures, and concerts. This group eventually acquired the deteriorating La Ópera Theater in 1943, renaming it El Círculo Theater.
The library's infrastructure grew alongside its collection. A Hemeroteca—a specialized library for newspapers and magazines—was inaugurated in 1949. That same year, the library was transferred to the municipality. In 1956, two years after the founder's passing, the institution was renamed in honor of Dr. Juan Álvarez. To accommodate its continuous growth, the building underwent a complete restoration and remodeling, achieving its current structure in 1989.
Facilities and Services
The Biblioteca Argentina is a multi-functional space spanning three floors. It is designed to be inclusive and accessible, offering a wide array of resources for diverse user needs.
- Reading Areas: A main reading room with a 190-person capacity.
- Specialized Services: A dedicated reading service for the blind, a children's section, and a bookbinding section.
- Digital Resources: A multimedia library, free Internet access, and photocopy services.
- The Hemeroteca: A separate building located around the block dedicated to periodical archives.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Books | 186,000 |
| Founder | Juan Álvarez |
| UN Depository Code | DL-138 |
| Current Structure Date | 1989 |
| Coordinates | 32°56′41″S 60°38′39″W |
United Nations Depository Library
Beyond its local importance, the library holds international significance. Since April 1957, it has served as an official Depository Library (DL-138) of the United Nations System (DEPOLIB), ensuring that UN documents and publications are accessible to the public in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Biblioteca Argentina Dr. Juan Alvarez?
The library was founded by Juan Álvarez, a judge and historian, who advocated for the city's need for a dignified public library in 1909.
What is the motto of the library?
The motto is "To know is to love, to ignore is to hate," which was coined by Joaquín V. González and is displayed at the entrance of the Reading Room.
What is a Hemeroteca?
A Hemeroteca is a library or section of a library specifically dedicated to the collection and preservation of newspapers, magazines, and other periodicals.
Does the library offer services for people with visual impairments?
Yes, the library provides a specialized reading service for the blind.
What is the library's relationship with the United Nations?
Since April 1957, the library has been an official UN Depository Library (DL-138), making United Nations System documents available to the public.