Circles an oasis of peace to read a book, to study or maybe to work too? Then these places are for you. We want to introduce you to the main libraries in Milan, some of them really beautiful.
We have selected 6 where you will find book heaven and a refuge from the chaos of the city!
1. Braidense National Library – Brera
Only one word to describe this library: breathtaking. The Braidense National Library belongs to the state and is the third largest library in Italy in terms of library holdings (1,500,000 units). Since July 2015 it has been part of the Brera Art Gallery museum system, under the general direction of James M. Bradburne.
The opening hours of the reading room are Monday through Friday: 8.30 – 6:15 p.m.; you can reserve your station here.
Where: Via Brera, 28, 20121 Milan, Italy.
2. Venice Library – Porta Venezia
Another beautiful library is the one located a stone’s throw from Porta Venezia. A little architectural gem in Milan. The supply, given the size of the facility, is limited but the staff is willing to bring in books from other municipal libraries in the city. To reserve a seat, you must download the App Affluences. The library is open Monday through Saturday. You can check the schedule on the website.
Where: Via Paolo Frisi, 2/4, 20129 Milan.
3. Sormani Library – Guastalla
The Sormani is the queen of Milan’s municipal libraries. The historic downtown building collects about one million volumes. The library also participates in a worldwide volume exchange. Here you will also find a complete collection of newspapers and magazines, the beautiful study room (Maximum Room) and a video library with almost unobtainable documents. Throughout the year there are those who enjoy reading in the beautiful garden, which is used for conferences or literary events.
You can book your visit by calling 800 88 00 66.
Where: Corso di Porta Vittoria, 6, 20122 Milan.
4. Sempione Park Library – Center
Beautiful library nestled in the greenery of Sempione Park. Good selection of books (including English). In summer, tables outside turn the library into an outdoor reading room. Again, to reserve a place in the hall, one must download the App Affluences.
The hours of the Simplon Park Library are:
tuesday, Thursday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m;
wednesday, Friday 2-7 p.m;
saturday 10am-6pm.
Where: Miguel de Cervantes Avenue, 20121 Milan, Italy.
5. Metropolitan Chapter Library – Cathedral
The “chapter library” is located inside the palace of the Canons of Milan Cathedral. It is the oldest of the libraries open to the public in Milan. It collects exceptional book and documentary holdings. To report your presence, you can presence you can write to bibarchimetromi@virgilio.it.
Opening hours are:
Tuesday 9:00 am – 12:30 pm;
Thursday 9:00 am – 12:30 pm;
Friday 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Where: Piazza del Duomo 16, Milan.
6. Red Church Library – Abbiategrasso
Another library worth visiting is the Chiesa Rossa Library inside the park of the same name in Abbiategrasso. From the outside it looks like a farmhouse. Wood ceiling and exposed red brick. This library, besides offering excellent services for citizens, is an oasis of peace.
Closed Sundays and Mondays open other days from 09:00 am to 7:00 pm, except Saturdays which follow the schedule of 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Where: St. Dominic Savio Street 3