Biblioteca de la Diputación Provincial de Ourense

Biblioteca de la Diputación Provincial de Ourense is a public library run by the provincial government of Ourense, in the Galicia region of northwestern Spain. It occupies the third floor of the Cultural Center of the Diputación, on Calle Progreso 30, right in the heart of the city.

What is the story behind this library?

The library was officially inaugurated on May 17, 1982 — chosen deliberately to coincide with Galician Literature Day (Día das Letras Galegas), the annual celebration of Galician language and writing. Despite that formal opening, the library did not actually start receiving the public until 1984. It originally operated from the lower floors of the Provincial Palace, the historic seat of the Diputación, before later moving to its current premises.

What will you find inside?

This is not a typical lending library. Its core value lies in documentation tied to the history of the province and the wider region. Over the decades, its holdings have grown through donations and acquisitions of important private collections, including:

• the collection of Xosé Ramón Fernández-Oxea, known as "Ben-Cho-Shey" (donated in 1980),
• the Alberto Vilanova collection (1984),
• the collection of Eduardo Blanco-Amor, one of the leading Galician writers of the 20th century (1983).

Together, these acquisitions make the library an important reference point for anyone researching the bibliographic heritage of Ourense and Galicia, rather than just a place to borrow a novel.

Who is the library for?

The institution's stated priorities are spreading information, widening access to culture, and preserving and expanding the province's bibliographic heritage. Entry is free and open to everyone — locals and visitors alike are welcome to use the reading room or consult the regional collections.

How do you get there?

The library sits on Calle Progreso 30, inside the Cultural Center of the Diputación de Ourense, in a central location that's easy to combine on foot with other sights in Ourense, such as the old town or the cathedral. For enquiries, the library can be reached by phone (988 31 78 76) or email (biblioteca@depourense.gal).

When is a good time to visit?

Ourense is worth exploring year-round, not least for its well-known thermal springs along the Miño river. A stop at the library works best as part of a broader walk through the historic centre, paired with the city's other cultural landmarks. Given its focus on historical documentation and reading rooms rather than exhibitions, it appeals particularly to travellers interested in regional history, genealogy, or Galician literature — more a specialist stop than a headline attraction for a short city break.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is entry to the library free? Yes, access is free and open to the general public.

When did the library open? It was formally inaugurated on May 17, 1982, on Galician Literature Day, though it only began serving the public in 1984.

Where exactly is the library located? It is currently on the third floor of the Cultural Center of the Diputación de Ourense, at Calle Progreso 30 in the city centre.

What are its most notable collections? The most significant holdings come from the donated collections of Xosé Ramón Fernández-Oxea ("Ben-Cho-Shey"), Alberto Vilanova, and the writer Eduardo Blanco-Amor.