Álex Urquiola Library, Holguín
Explore the Alex Urquiola Library of Holguín, one of the most important cultural centres of Cuba
The Biblioteca Provincial de Holguín Alex Urquiola (Provincial Library Alex Urquiola of Holguín), founded in 1959, was the first institution created by Cuban Revolution in the province. For more than 50 years it meant a great leap towards cultural recognition among the citizens.
Although the cultural development produced via printing press in the 19th century in Holguín, as before the majority of people was illiterate, soon the citizens claimed the necessity of centres where they can learn more about main knowledge and culture. The first library was located in Iglesia de San Isidoro (San Isidoro Church) in 1922, but it hardly lasted for 20 years when it had to shut the doors because of lack of support. It was reopened when the Revolution succeeded in 1959 in spite of the citizens’ input earlier.
In only 18 days, thanks to locals’ collaboration and their donations, the Holguín Library was opened, which has been a very significant spot in La Periquera ever since. The number of items continued to grow thanks to donations and the library was moved first to the Sociedad Colonia Española in 1961 as Museo de Ciencias Naturales Carlos de la Torre y Huerta (Carlos de la Torre y Huerta Natural Science Museum); and next year to the old Sociedad Unión Holguinera. In 1964 it was moved again, although this time permanently to the Sociedad Liceo, a modern building of the olden upper class of the city named in honour to local revolutionary Alex Urquiola Marrero.
Nowadays the library is a highly acclaimed centre where the work of storing funds and space for studies is the least relevant work of its duties. The institution has turned into a place where many investigation works and cultural spreading are being made with a high number of halls and departments, a reference spot in the entire country.
More information:
Location:
174, Maceo, Holguín
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Telephone:
(+53) 24 462562
Interactive map:
Holguín
City of Holguín
What to see:
- Holguín Cathedral
- Parque Peralta
- Parque Calixto García
- Biblioteca Álex Urquiola
- Parque Céspedes
- Iglesia de San José
- Plaza de la Marqueta
- Plaza de la Revolución Calixto García
- La Loma de la Cruz
- Fábrica de Órganos
- Mirador de Mayabe
Museums:
Gíbara
What to see:
Museums:
- Museo de Historia Natural
- Museo de Historia Municipal
- Museo de Artes Decorativas
- Galería Cosme Proenza
Beaches:
Banes
What to see:
- Guardalavaca
- Parque Natural Cristóbal Colón
- Sitio Histórico de Birán
- Acuario de Cayo Naranjo
- Bioparque Rocazul
- Parque Nacional Monumento Bariay
- Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad
- Locomotora a vapor 964
Museums:
Beaches:
Other nearby destinations:
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