Biblioteca Pública do Estado da Bahia, Public library in Barris, Salvador, Brazil
The Bahia State Public Library is a public facility in the Barris neighborhood housing multiple sections including areas for the blind, children, research, and rare materials. The building contains two cinema halls, an art gallery, and serves as home to the State's Directorate of Image and Sound.
The library was founded in 1811 in a former Jesuit Church bookstore, now Salvador's Cathedral Basilica. It has grown from modest beginnings into one of the city's major cultural institutions.
The library hosts a cinema, art gallery, and children's section that serve as community spaces where locals gather to watch films, view exhibitions, and spend time with families. These rooms reflect how the city values learning and culture as part of everyday life.
The facility is spacious and can accommodate many visitors at once, so there is usually room to work or browse even during busy times. Weekday visits offer more time to explore the different sections without feeling rushed.
The library uses a digital management system called Pergamum that allows anyone to access its book catalog from anywhere online. This system makes it easy to find out what materials are available before visiting in person.
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