Biblioteca Palafoxiana, Puebla Mexico
The Biblioteca Palafoxiana (Palafoxian Library) in the city of Puebla, Mexico. Unesco credits it as the first and oldest public library in the Americas. The library was established in 1646 when the bishop of Puebla Juan de Palafox y Mendoza donated 5,000 of his own items to the San Juan College (also founded by him) on the condition that they be made available to the general public. The bishop was a lover of books and knowledge and is quoted as saying: “He who succeeds without books is in an inconsolable darkness, on a mountain without company, on a path without a crosier, in darkness without a guide.” A century later the library was moved to its present site which was built specifically to house the collection that grew as other prominent persons donated items. Books confiscated from the Jesuits on their expulsion in 1767 were also added. The oldest text in the library is the Nuremberg Chronicle dated 1493. The Palafoxian Library is open every day except Monday. It is open only during daylight hours. There is no artificial lighting - a custom dating back to when books and candles did not go well together.
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Location: Biblioteca Palafoxiana, Puebla Mexico
Photo credit: © Frank Nowikowski / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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