Biblioteca Nacional Miguel Obregon Lizano

The Biblioteca Nacional Miguel Obregon Lizano is a national library in San Jose that holds the most comprehensive collection of Costa Rican publications in the country. The building houses printed works as well as manuscripts and historical documents, systematically organized in dedicated areas and available for research purposes.

The library was founded in 1888 and built upon the collection from the University of San Thomas, which had closed shortly before. This merger of two collections formed the core for growth into one of the country's major memory institutions.

The name honors a prominent Costa Rican intellectual, and the building serves as a gathering place for scholars and students engaging deeply with national topics. It functions as a space where the country's identity comes to life through its written history.

The building offers visitors access to reference materials and work areas, though items cannot be borrowed for use outside the premises. Before visiting, check which specialized collections are currently available and plan time for your research, as some materials may require advance notice.

The Sala de Colecciones Especiales Adolfo Blen holds rare books and manuscripts from the 16th century, including scientific works by early naturalists. This collection reveals how Europeans documented their observations and findings about the region during that distant period.