Almeida Garrett Municipal Library, Porto

Almeida Garrett Municipal Library, named after a Portuguese 19th century writer, is Porto’s main library, inaugurated in 2001 as part of the city’s designation as European Capital of Culture. Located at the heart of Porto’s lush Palácio de Cristal Gardens, is a serene haven where readers immerse themselves in books and might be observed by curious peacocks, who occasionally peer through the windows. With its refined architecture housing an exhibitions gallery and an auditorium, the library offers a vibrant cultural programming that includes conferences, children storytelling, book presentations and poetry clubs, in an inspiring setting where stories come to life.