This Tuesday evening, at 8:00 p.m., the inauguration of the new National Library in the historic center of San Salvador took place via a television channel
The modern building was donated by China and construction began on February 3, 2022.
“It is a donation from the Chinese government. It is a total investment in the construction of the library as well as equipment and books,” President Nayib Bukele said at the time.
The building is located between Avenida Cuscatlán and the 2nd floor. Avenida Sur has seven floors and an auditorium, a library café, exhibition rooms and a VIP room. The cost was $54 million, plus a $7.5 million budget for next year.
Several people have already gathered to witness the inauguration.
LPG/ Julio Umana
The National Library will be open 24 hours a day and will have a special area for young children, a breastfeeding and nursing room and games for minors on the second level.
On the third level is the area for children up to 8 years old. There are an estimated 26,000 books on this floor and at least 6,000 on the second level. A room inspired by the book “The Little Prince” was also presented.
Photo capture
As also shown during the broadcast, a room was set up for video games, with consoles and allusive decorations.
Photo: Recording
Users of the new library will also find trending literature and current topics, such as a section dedicated to the Harry Potter saga as well as the trilogy books “The Lord of the Rings” and “Games of Thrones”.
There are also elevators for the blind, as well as books in Braille and elevators for wheelchair users.
Several people gathered to witness the inauguration.
LPG/ Julio Umana
Other special areas in the library include a Manga section (the Japanese-originated narrative and art that has gained widespread popularity worldwide), one of the largest in Central America, according to those responsible; as well as interactive and exhibition areas dedicated to DC Comics, Marvel and Star Wars, among others.
Several people gathered to witness the inauguration.
Photo: Diego Rosales
Likewise, in the library there is a level with a more classical area for those who want to consult classical, Latin American and universal literature, among others.
BINAES also has an Italian restaurant and a gallery exhibiting works by various artists.
Photo: CapturaPhoto: Captura
Construction of the new library involved the complete demolition of the historic structure that was to be replaced by the new design, in addition to the demolition of other heritage buildings that were on the block.
Soldiers guard the new National Library building.
Photo: LPG/ Julio Umaña
“We are not destroying cultural heritage. We are destroying an uninhabitable building that served no purpose to save our cultural heritage,” Bukele said in his speech on the day the foundation stone was laid for the construction.