D. JOÃO DE MAGALHÃES E AVELAR AND THE FOUNDATION OF THE ROYAL MUNICIPAL LIBRARY OF PORTO (1833)

Abstract

D. João de Magalhães e Avelar (1754-1833) created what was, at the time, the largest Portuguese private library. With around 36 000 volumes, it was praised by national and foreign authors for its combination of a vast number of volumes and its important manuscripts. Formed during the eighteenth and nineteenth century, for over 30 years, it originated, in 1833, the core of the current Oporto Municipal Public Library.

At a time when books were synonymous with social prestige and, unlike other situations there was almost no tradition of public libraries in our country, the private library of Avelar formed, with others, the Royal Public Library of Oporto.

In 1833, when the first anniversary of the entry of the liberal army in Porto was celebrated, the library Portuense was set up by decree. Established in the house that served as a Hospice of the Religious of the Val de Santo António da Piedade, in Cordoaria Square, its purpose was to serve the public and was open every day except Sundays and holidays. Property of the city of Oporto, it was administered by the Council, which was responsible for the maintenance and acquisition of new assets. As we shall see, this was cause for conflict, but Oporto obtained, finally, its first public library.