The library was initially installed, in 1841, in the Hospício dos Franciscanos, located in Praça da Cordoaria, and in 1842 it was definitively installed in the house that served as the hospice of the religious of Santo António de Val-da-Piedade, the Convent of Santo António da Cidade, next to the Jardim de São Lázaro/Rua D. João IV. except for the office of librarian, whose appointment would have to be made by the government. The first librarian was appointed by the minister inspector, and the second by the triple sent by the chamber.
