Biblioteca Santiago Severín

The neoclassical-renaissance building stretches 58 meters long, featuring high ceilings, pilasters, and columns across its three-story structure in central Valparaíso.

Founded in 1873 as Chile's first government-approved public library, the current building was constructed between 1912 and 1919 with funding from businessman Santiago Severin Espina.

The library maintains a collection of 80,000 volumes and serves as a center for literary events, exhibitions, and educational programs for the Valparaíso community.

Visitors can access book searches, obtain membership cards, participate in guided tours, and utilize the reading rooms during regular operating hours.

The building underwent major reconstruction after the 2010 earthquake, receiving support from Universidad Católica de Valparaíso and the National Council of Culture and Arts.

Location: Valparaíso

Inception: 1873

Part of: list of national monuments of the Region of Valparaíso

Website: http://bibliotecaseverin.gob.cl/sitio

GPS coordinates: -33.04500,-71.61944

Latest update: March 3, 2025 03:21