Almeida Garrett Library

Named after the writer Almeida Garrett (1799–1854), who was born in Porto, the library was inaugurated on 2 April 2001.

The Biblioteca Municipal Almeida Garrett is situated in the gardens of the Palácio de Cristal, a space for information and vocational leisure, along Rua Entrequintas. In order to serve the public, the library distributes its collections and equipment in diverse areas, providing support services.[1] The library's reception area is the local with access to different parts of the building, including auditorium, stacks and gallery.[1]

The Galeria do Palácio (Palace Gallery) is a versatile exposition space, occupying an area of 1,500 square metres (1,800 sq yd) over two floors.[1] The area presents a program of regular expositions covering various themes, including arts, cultural heritage and science, in addition to presentation of documents, among others.[1] It is also a focus for visiting expositions from local, national and international exhibitors receiving, on 4 February 2001, 20 groups as part of the European Capital of Culture.[1]

The auditorium is an architectural space of important quality, with a connection to the garden alongside the library.[1] It has the capacity to hold 192 people, with modern sound equipment, projection and lighting systems. With a large foyer and lateral mezzanine, the spaces realizes modern expositions and parallel activities.[1] Its privileged location, near a green space in the heart of the city, and with several spaces, makes it a centre of important local activities, including: theatre, cinemas, conferences, book presentations, poetry sessions, musical spectacles, congresses and professional encounters.[1]