The National Library of Paraguay celebrated its 139th anniversary, marking a long history dedicated to the preservation of the country’s bibliographic and documentary heritage. The institution focuses on providing access to knowledge and strengthening public libraries nationwide.
Established on 21 September 1887, the library operates under the National Secretariat of Culture through the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage. Its role extends beyond the simple lending and consultation of books. Key responsibilities include the conservation, organisation, and provision of access to materials that constitute Paraguay’s documentary and bibliographic memory.
A custodian of national heritage
Unlike a public library, which primarily serves the reading and information needs of a local community, the National Library is charged with the broader mission of safeguarding the nation’s entire bibliographic heritage. This involves collecting and preserving all types of published materials produced in or about the country.
Paraguay’s Minister of Culture, Adriana Ortiz, highlighted the significance of this work. “A country that reads is a country that expands its possibilities. Reading brings us closer to knowledge, to our culture, and also allows us to see the world through other eyes,” she stated. Ortiz also stressed the importance of creating opportunities to bring books to communities.
Adapting to new challenges
The director of the National Library of Paraguay, Marco Augusto Ferreira, addressed the institution’s need to evolve with the times. He noted that one of the library’s main challenges is adapting to transformations in how people study, research, and access information.
“A National Library must respond to changes in the ways of studying, investigating, and accessing information. Our challenge is to strengthen the services and tools that allow the collections to continue to be used by different audiences,” Ferreira affirmed.
To meet these demands, the institution comprises several specialised departments. These include Technical Processes, a Collections Room, a Newspaper and Periodicals Archive (Hemeroteca), Conservation, Restoration, and Digitisation. It also has departments for Public Library Management and the Paraguayan ISBN Agency, which handles the registration of publications in the country.
Promoting literacy and publishing
These departments work collaboratively to organise and preserve the library’s vast collections, handle public inquiries, and treat delicate materials. Furthermore, they support the National Network of Public Libraries and manage the ISBN registry, which generates valuable data on the country’s publishing output.
The National Library is also an integral member of the National Council for Reading and Books (Conalib), which was created by Law No. 7140/2023, “For the Promotion of Reading and Books.” According to Decree No. 6336/2026, the institution currently holds the alternate presidency of the Council.
Visitor information
The National Library of Paraguay is located at 820 De la Residenta, near Perú street, in Asunción. For visitors, the Collections Room is open for reading and consultation from Monday to Friday, between 7:00 and 19:00. The Carlos Antonio López Room, which houses the newspaper and periodicals archive, is available for consultations from 7:00 to 14:00. The Paraguayan ISBN Agency attends to the public from 12:00 to 18:00.
As it enters its 140th year, the institution remains committed to conserving Paraguay’s documentary heritage and ensuring public access to its extensive collections and services.
Also read: The Keeper Of Stories: An Exclusive Look At Paraguay’s National Library With Marco Augusto Ferreira.
