Nestled right here in San Miguel de Allende, our very own Biblioteca Pública is a treasure trove, boasting a collection of over 40,000 books in both English and Spanish. But it’s more than just shelves of stories – this place is a real hub for art, culture, and a love of reading, offering workshops, events, and, yeah, they even let you borrow the books! Imagine that!
For over 70 years, the non-profit crew running the Biblioteca Pública has been on a mission to feed the minds and souls of San Miguelenses and our international residents. They’re all about providing learning, information, and a little bit of chill time through programs that include classes, workshops, cultural events, and a whole lotta encouragement to crack open a good book.
You know how it goes here in San Miguel – a lot of good things start with folks just wanting to connect. Back in 1954, a North American resident named Helen Wale started inviting young Mexicans to her house to enjoy her stash of magazines. Word spread faster than gossip at a coffee shop, and soon enough, they needed more chairs and tables just for the kids!
Seeing the youngsters’ enthusiasm, other expats jumped in to help, adding educational materials and a collection of fairy tales in English that were translated into Spanish. Fast forward just three years, and this group of book-loving folks had to ask the Governor of Guanajuato, Jesús Rodríguez Gaona, to give them a proper space for a library that could serve the whole community.
In ’58, the Governor came through, offering them the building they still call home today. That’s when the community really rallied, organizing events to raise money for renovations and officially opening the Biblioteca Pública in November of that same year. Talk about a community effort!
Ever since then, this non-profit has been working hard to be a cultural center that offers art, culture, and education to both locals and expats, keeping the love of reading alive and kicking. Just last year, they loaned out a whopping 12,261 books to folks right here in San Miguel. That’s a lot of pages turning!
So next time you’re strolling through Centro, take a peek at Insurgentes No. 25. The Biblioteca Pública is a testament to the power of community, the love of learning, and the magic of a good book. It’s a place where everyone can find a little peace, discover something new, and connect with the vibrant culture that makes San Miguel so special. Let’s keep supporting this awesome local treasure! 📚🎨 culture
