Public libraries across the Barcelona province are experiencing a robust post-pandemic resurgence, evolving far beyond their traditional role as quiet reading rooms to become bustling community centres. According to the latest annual report from the Provincial Deputation of Barcelona, the Municipal Library Network (Xarxa de Biblioteques Municipals) welcomed 17.6 million visitors in 2025, marking a 2% increase on the previous year and confirming a steady upward trend.
This growth underscores the enduring value of these public institutions, which have transformed into modern-day agoras: vital meeting points for neighbourhood residents. The network, comprising 236 libraries and 13 mobile libraries known as ‘bibliobuses’, has seen its visitor numbers swell by over four million since 2022, a testament to its successful adaptation to contemporary community needs.
A Surge in Loans and New Members
Increased footfall also brought more activity. The network loaned over 13 million documents in various formats last year, also representing a 2% year-on-year increase. The total number of registered members has now surpassed 2.2 million, bolstered by 188,000 new users who signed up during 2025.
Analysis of borrowing trends reveals a significant shift in user interests. While books remain the core offering, loans of comic books and graphic novels saw a notable 13% jump. Even more striking was the 43% surge in the borrowing of board games, highlighting the libraries’ expanding role in providing social and recreational resources. This high level of public engagement is consistently reflected in the Barcelona City Council’s annual Municipal Services survey. Libraries regularly receive the highest satisfaction ratings, often approaching outstanding marks.
Investment and Future Expansion
Significant public investment underpins this success. The network’s operating expenses amounted to €138 million in 2025, which equates to an annual cost of €22.13 per inhabitant. The Provincial Deputation of Barcelona (38%) and local municipal councils (38%) jointly covered the funding, with an additional 3% from the Generalitat de Catalunya and other institutions, as reported by La Vanguardia.
During the presentation of the annual figures, the provincial deputy for Culture, Pau González Val, confirmed that the growth is set to continue. He announced plans for several new library inaugurations this year. New facilities are planned for Barcelona’s Besòs neighbourhood, an area undergoing a major waterfront transformation. Additionally, new libraries will open in Dosrius (the Esteve Albert i Corp library), Olesa de Montserrat (Santa Oliva), Súria, Torelló (Segimon Serrallonga), and Vilafranca del Penedès (Joana Raspall).
“The expectations of maintaining this growth in the coming years remain intact,” stated González Val, signalling confidence in the network’s ongoing expansion and relevance.
Beyond lending services, the libraries have become major cultural programmers. In 2025 alone, they organised approximately 43,000 activities, from workshops and talks to reading clubs and exhibitions. This equates to an average of over 160 events per day across the province, solidifying their position as indispensable cornerstones of local life and learning.
