Macau public libraries are all part of the same network, hence being, in a sense, the same institution with different branches. You can look for a book at one library and get it at one of the others, for example. Be it to do research, borrow books, sit back and relax while reading, or just hanging out with your friends while each does their own thing, places like these that we’ve selected are perfect for a rainy day or just for some peace and quiet while things are busy at home. Read on and, well… read on!
Macau Libraries: A Centralized Network
Did you know that Macau’s first library was established during the start of the 19th century? Or that the now Macao Central Library used to be a high school? In 1893, the Portuguese crown decided to establish both a Portuguese high school and a library in the region. Both institutions were founded two years later. After the establishment of the Macao Central Library and Sir Robert Ho Tung Library, prominent Macanese scholar Luís Gonzaga Gomes revolutionized the system in 1962.
A head librarian, one of his first decisions was to organize local Macau newspapers into eras. Unfortunately, his desire to move the library to the former high school location was left undone, as he died before completing it. However, the system saw rapid development during the 80s and 90s. The new building (where it presently is housed) of the Macao Central Library was inaugurated in 1983. Upon this decision and since there was now a new place for the public library, Leal Senado Building’s rooms were then transformed into a kind of archive, where the government kept older documents and books, published prior to 1950.
Macao Central Library
(See featured image above)
Macao Central Library’s history can be traced back to the 19th century when Portugal’s government decided to establish both a Portuguese high school and a library in the city. These institutions were housed in different places through time, including Leal Senado Building, the Shelter for the Disabled at Tap Seac, and Bela Vista Hotel. The Macao Central Library was kind of a nomadic institution until two rooms in Leal Senado Building were made available for its establishment. Decisions made in the 40s and the 50s were crucial for the establishment and foundations of this library. In 1952, the government decided to start a legal deposit of books and periodicals from Portugal and overseas provinces.
It includes the usual contents of any other library, but also microfilm reading service, Macau information references, back-issue newspapers and periodicals, broadband internet access, electronic news, electronic databases, and other services. The Macao Central Library is adjacent to the Archives of Macao, which provides specific services on history, including local, regional and even international. Head there if you are looking for documents dating back to the 15th century or so. Even if you aren’t checking out some books, this building alone is well worth a look around as one of the most beautiful public Macau libraries in town.
Opening hours: Monday, 2:00pm–midnight; Tuesday–Sunday, 8:00am–midnight (Closed from the 1st to the 3rd day of Chinese New Year)
Macao Central Library 89 A-B, Av. Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida, Macau, www.library.gov.mo
Sir Robert Ho Tung Library
A visit to Sir Robert Ho Tung Library is high on the list for most visitors as this is undoubtedly one of Macau’s most beautiful and pleasant buildings to explore. With an open-air patio featuring chairs and tables and an architectural structure that combines old and modern, Sir Robert Ho Tung Library–named after its founder–has a history of more than 125 years. Its establishment was made possible thanks to the founder’s gift to the city where Robert Ho Tung donated the building now housing the library, plus HKD $25,000 for its first stage development. This institution was opened to the public in August, 1958.
The building–built in 1894–used to be the property of Carolina Antónia da Cunha, having passed from owner to owner over time, until it finally reached the hands of Sir Robert Ho Tung. Presently, the library has a collection capacity of over 100,000 volumes and it’s the largest in the territory. There, it is possible to borrow books and audio-visual audiovisual materials, but also read periodicals, have broadband internet access and enjoy music and films, exhibitions and lectures. The library has a beautiful garden occupying more than 1,000 meters, with tables and chairs outside, where people can take their books, hang out with friends, and have a peaceful time.
Opening hours: Monday, 2:00pm–8:00pm; Tuesday–Sunday, 8:00am–8:00pm
Sir Robert Ho Tung Library 3 Largo de Santo Agostinho, Macau, +853 2837 7117, +853 2893 0077, +853 2893 0966, www.library.gov.mo
Photo credit: www.iacm.gov.mo
Coloane Library
Inaugurated in the 50s, it’s the first library to ever open outside the peninsula. It has more than 6,500 volumes, mostly children’s books and popular novels, as well as 49 newspaper titles from different areas and 44 types of magazines, according to government data. Housed in a building of colonial architecture built in 1911 (formerly the Coloane Public Elementary School), this is the perfect place to study or while away the time reading, since it’s located in one of Macau’s most tranquil areas: Coloane Village. Overlooking the Pearl River Delta, it boasts some benches outside as well to take in the views while turning those pages.
Opening hours: Monday, 2:00pm–8:00pm; Tuesday–Sunday, 8:00am–8:00pm
Coloane Library Av. Cinco de Outubro, Coloane, +853 2888 2254, www.library.gov.mo
Patane Library
Opened to the public in 2016, Patane Library is nestled in a group of colorful, colonial buildings in the Patane area. Situated under an arcade–very typical of the Inner Harbour area–this is one of the few remaining colonial structures in the city. Renovated into an architecture style that combines both historical and contemporary elements, it’s proof that knowledge and history walk hand in hand towards the future. The library has tables and seating areas, broadband and wireless internet, but also a wide collection of local, Chinese and international periodicals, as well as books. The library holds about 18,100 volumes, more than 5,000 audiovisual materials, among others.
Opening hours: Monday, 2:00pm–midnight; Tuesday–Sunday, 8:00am–midnight (Closed from the 1st to the 3rd day of Chinese New Year)
Patane Library 69-81 Rua da Ribeira do Patane, Macau, +853 2825 9220, +853 2825 9221, www.library.gov.mo
Also read: The Patane Library: Echoes of the Past in the Present
Wong Ieng Kuan Library in Luís de Camões Garden
If the name Wong Ieng Kuan Library sounds familiar, that’s because there are four of them in Macau, one located in Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Municipal Park, and two in Areia Preta Urban Park. Our favorite, however, is nestled in Luís de Camões Garden. This is just the perfect spot to head to when relaxing amongst greenery is the goal. Libraries in Macau are places that are typically quiet and calm and this is no exception. Camões Garden gives it a zen vibe and the kids’ area upstairs is an oasis for children.
Inaugurated in 1999, its construction was possible thanks to Wong Ieng Kuan’s donations, an overseas Chinese from Peru. Comprised of two stories, it has reading areas, a kids’ zone and has a collection of around 19,700 volumes, 62 newspaper titles from various places as well as hundreds of titles of periodicals.
Opening hours: Monday, 2:00pm–8:00pm; Tuesday–Sunday, 8:00am–8:00pm
Wong Ieng Kuan Library in Luís de Camões Garden Luís de Camões Garden, Macau, +853 2895 3079, www.library.gov.mo
Taipa Central Park Library
Located in a basement in the middle of Taipa Central Park, this spot is perfect for those who looking for somewhere quiet with lots of sunlight. With a modern design and furniture, it is ideal for kids and teenagers to study with friends, and adults to have a little peace and quiet from all the hustle and bustle of the city. Opened to the public in 2015, it features a general reading area, a children’s library, newspapers, and periodicals reading area and a multimedia room. It also houses a theater for children, an outdoor garden and other amenities such as a book drop station.
What’s special about this place is that boasts lots of glass walls and windows, allowing a great amount of sunlight to get in. It’s pleasant to be inside, enjoying the natural light while keeping cool especially when it’s hot outside.
Opening hours: Monday, 2:00pm–midnight; Tuesday–Sunday, 08:00–midnight (Closed from the 1st to the 3rd day of Chinese New Year)
Taipa Library B1 Parque Central da Taipa, Rua de Seng Tou, Taipa, +853 2884 3105, +853 2884 3172, www.library.gov.mo
Seac Pai Van Library
The newest and most recent library in Macau, it’s located in Seac Pai Van and boasts modern architecture, as well as decoration. It’s ideal for studying or working remotely when in need of some time off from home, especially if you live around the area! With a garden and lots of different indoor areas such as reading rooms, sofa zones and a collection of around 40,000 volumes and 3,500 audiovisual materials, it’s good for research and has titles in Chinese, Portuguese, English and other languages. Other than the usual personal reading spaces, there are also social interaction areas like a multi-functional room, group discussion room, and family zone.
Opening hours: Monday, 2:00pm–midnight, Tuesday–Sunday, 8:00am–midnight (Closed from the 1st to the 3rd day of Chinese New Year)
Seac Pai Van Library 6/F Complexo Comunitário de Seac Pai Van, Av. Vale das Borboletas, Coloane, +853 2826 1631, +853 2826 1633, www.library.gov.mo
Octagonal Pavilion Library
This is undoubtedly the most exquisite and distinct library in Macau. Built in 1927, designed by the Chinese architect, Chan Kun Pui, it’s the city’s first Chinese library and its inauguration was possible with the funds raised by local Chinese scholars and the community interested in literature. It was first used as a restaurant and billiard room of S. Francisco Garden. In 1947, it was bought by Mr. Ho Yin, vice-chairman of the Macao Commerce Chamber who turned it into the Commerce Chamber’s Newspaper and Book Reading Room.
It’s now commonly known as the Octagonal Pavilion because of its curious and unique shape–painted in bright red similar to a pagoda but with its own architecture. This is the place to go to if you’re looking for a particular book or publication in Chinese. If not, its beautiful structure makes for wonderful photos too!
Opening hours: Tuesdays–Sundays, 9:00am–12:00pm and 7:00pm–10:00pm (closed on Mondays and public holidays
Octagonal Pavilion Library São Francisco Garden, Rua Nova À Guia, Macau, www.cityguide.gov.mo
