Biblioteca Foral de Bizkaia, Provincial research library in Ensanche district, Bilbao, Spain
The Biblioteca Foral de Bizkaia is a six-story glass building in Bilbao's Ensanche district with open reading areas spread across multiple levels. The building organizes its collection systematically, with books and periodicals distributed on different floors to serve various types of visitors.
The collection began in 1900 through private donations and developed over the 20th century into an important research center for the region. The institution grew by consistently adding works that reflected the intellectual interests of its community.
The glass facade displays texts in many languages, creating a visual symbol of the diversity this place represents. Visitors immediately sense this international openness when entering the building.
Access to the different departments is clearly marked and moving through the building is straightforward with elevators and stairs available on each floor. The best time to visit is outside peak hours in the morning or early afternoon, when the spaces are less crowded.
The collection holds early printed works from the era shortly after the invention of printing technology. These historical volumes span several centuries and offer insights into the history of how books were made.
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