Biblioteca Pública Carles Rahola, Girona

Library in Girona

Biblioteca Pública Carles Rahola
Biblioteca Pública Carles Rahola
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Teresa Grau Ros

Biblioteca Pública Carles Rahola is Girona's main public library, a modern, light-filled space in the Eixample district that locals use daily for reading, studying, and community activities. For travelers, it's a refreshing change of pace from the busy medieval lanes—ideal when you want air-conditioning, calm, and a slice of everyday Girona.

It's also an easy add-on to a self-guided walking tour: pair the library with a stroll through the Eixample and then continue toward the Old Town's big hitters like the Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter, and the river bridges. If you're looking for the best places to see in Girona beyond the headline monuments, this is a surprisingly satisfying stop.

History and Significance of the Biblioteca Pública Carles Rahola

Named after Carles Rahola, a prominent Girona intellectual and writer, the library reflects the city's commitment to public culture and learning. While Girona is famous for its medieval skyline, the library represents the contemporary side of the city—civic, practical, and designed for everyday life.

As a public institution, it plays a key role in local education and community programming, from reading initiatives to cultural events. Even if you don't attend an event, visiting helps you understand how Girona functions beyond tourism.

Architecturally and socially, it's significant because it offers a welcoming, well-organized environment that contrasts with the dense, historic fabric of the Barri Vell. It's a reminder that Girona isn't only a museum-city—it's a living place with modern public spaces.

Things to See and Do in the Biblioteca Pública Carles Rahola

Start by simply enjoying the atmosphere: quiet reading rooms, study areas, and a calm, orderly vibe that makes it easy to decompress. If you’ve been walking the Old Town’s steps and cobbles, this is a comfortable place to pause, plan your next stops, and cool down.

Browse the collections and displays for a local perspective—especially Catalan-language materials and regional culture. Even if you don’t read Catalan or Spanish fluently, you can still enjoy illustrated books, photography titles, magazines, and occasional themed displays.

If you're traveling with a laptop or need a practical reset, this is a good spot for a short work session or trip admin (confirming train times, booking tickets, or mapping a walking route). Keep in mind that libraries tend to enforce quiet rules more strictly than cafés.

How to Get to the Biblioteca Pública Carles Rahola

The nearest major airport is Girona–Costa Brava Airport (GRO), with Barcelona El Prat (BCN) as the main international hub for most travelers. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Girona on Booking.com.

Girona is very well connected by rail, and arriving by train is one of the easiest ways to reach the city center before continuing on foot or by local bus. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re driving, aim for paid parking in the Eixample or near the station area and then walk the last stretch to avoid the narrow streets and restrictions closer to the Old Town. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Biblioteca Pública Carles Rahola

  • Official website: https://bibliotecagirona.gencat.cat/ca/bpg_Informacio-general/bpg_adreca_i_horaris/
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: (Summer) June 20 – September 15; Monday – Friday: 10:00–20:00; Saturday: Closed; Sunday: Closed. (Winter) September 16 – June 19; Monday – Friday: 10:00–20:00; Saturday: 10:00–14:00; Sunday: Closed.
  • Best time to visit: Late morning on weekdays is usually calm and bright, and it’s a great break between sightseeing blocks. Saturdays can feel busier because hours are shorter.
  • How long to spend: Plan 20–45 minutes for a quick reset, or 1–2 hours if you want to read, study, or do travel planning in peace.
  • Accessibility: As a modern public building, it’s generally easier for step-free access than many Old Town sights; still, check on-site signage for the most convenient entrance and elevators.
  • Facilities: Expect restrooms and comfortable seating; it’s a practical stop when you need a quiet indoor space rather than another coffee shop.

Where to Stay Close to the Biblioteca Pública Carles Rahola

Base yourself in central Girona (Barri Vell or the Eixample near the river) for the easiest mix of walkability, restaurants, and quick access to both modern neighborhoods and historic sights.

Hotel Carlemany Girona A dependable, comfortable choice in the Eixample with an easy walk to the library and straightforward access to the train station area.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Girona A modern stay with a contemporary feel—good if you want newer facilities and a quieter base slightly outside the densest Old Town lanes.

Hotel Gran Ultonia Well-placed for splitting time between the library side of town and the Old Town; a solid pick for travelers who want convenience without sacrificing comfort.

Hotel Nord 1901 A boutique-style option closer to the historic core—great if you want charm and quick access to Girona’s headline sights after your library stop.

Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona A characterful stay in the Old Town that’s ideal if you’re prioritizing atmosphere and evening strolls through the medieval center.

Is the Biblioteca Pública Carles Rahola Worth Visiting?

Yes—if you enjoy seeing how a city actually lives, this library is a worthwhile, low-effort stop. It’s clean, calm, and practical, and it adds a modern counterpoint to Girona’s medieval-heavy sightseeing.

Honest Pivot: if your time in Girona is very short and you're focused only on iconic landmarks, you can skip it and stick to the Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter, and the riverfront. The library shines most for travelers who appreciate quiet spaces, architecture, or a break from crowds.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.2 (349)

Reviews are largely positive, with visitors praising the library as modern, comfortable, and a great quiet place to read or study. Several comments highlight practical perks like a calm atmosphere and useful amenities for a short break during the day. The main drawbacks mentioned are strict rules around behavior/noise and limited language-learning resources for English speakers, plus some frustration with late opening times.

Sipos Vlad
a year ago
"Best library i went to so far, it sucks tho a little that they don t have books to learn spanish from english... they have books only from catalan tospanish...."
Liza
8 years ago
"Marvellous new library, less fat too...because it's about 8 minutes to walk here from Gironalet Apartment (obviously, your HQ for Happy Days!). Becareful of the Warrior in uniform - no drinking, talking, smoking, laughing, complaining, reading allowed (whispering incessantly is fine). Cheapest coffee machine and water dispenser in town! Lovely places to kick off those 'chancletas' and snooze everywhere, in shade and if there are no politicians in the vicinity, peace and quiet...."
yaroslava vayss
5 years ago
"Perfect.👍"

For Different Travelers

Biblioteca Pública Carles Rahola is less about “must-see” spectacle and more about comfort, calm, and local texture. It can fit into many itineraries, but it's especially useful when you want a pause that still feels distinctly Girona.

Families with Kids

For families, the library can be a smart downtime stop—especially on hot or rainy days when kids need a calmer indoor reset. It’s also a good place to regroup, use facilities, and plan the next kid-friendly sight.

Keep expectations realistic: this isn’t a hands-on museum, and quiet behavior is usually expected. If your kids enjoy books and calm spaces, it can be a pleasant break; if they need to run around, a nearby park may be a better choice.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples who like slow travel will appreciate the library as a peaceful interlude between photogenic Old Town viewpoints. It's a nice way to experience Girona beyond the postcard scenes—more local, less performative.

Use it as a reset before a sunset walk back toward the river bridges or the Barri Vell. It’s not “romantic” in the classic sense, but it supports a relaxed, unhurried day.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers can treat the library as a free, comfortable place to rest, read, and plan. It’s a helpful alternative to buying another drink just to sit somewhere indoors.

It’s also useful if you’re traveling with a laptop and want a quieter environment than a busy café. Just remember that libraries often have stricter rules than coworking spaces.

FAQs for Visiting Biblioteca Pública Carles Rahola

Getting There

Yes, it’s typically walkable, and it fits nicely into a route that links the Eixample with the historic center. If you’re already exploring on foot, it’s an easy detour.
Yes, local buses serve the surrounding area, which can be handy if you’re coming from the station or staying farther out. Check current routes and stops on the day you go.
It’s relatively close to the main transport area compared with many Old Town sights. That makes it convenient on arrival or before departure.

Tickets & Entry

No ticket is required for normal entry, as it’s a public library. Just follow the house rules once inside.
Yes, you can go in even if you don’t have a local card. Borrowing privileges may require registration, but visiting and browsing is typically open.
Most visits are free and focused on library services. If there’s a special event or program, any costs would usually be communicated on-site.

Visiting Experience

Expect a quiet environment and staff who enforce library etiquette. It’s best for reading, studying, and calm breaks.
It’s quieter and more structured than a café, with less social chatter. Choose it when you want focus or a true pause.
Yes, because the experience is also about the space and the local atmosphere. You can still enjoy magazines, visual books, and a calm place to plan.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes—use it as a mid-walk reset between the Eixample and the Old Town. It works well as a short stop rather than a main highlight.
Combine it with a stroll to the river bridges and then into the Barri Vell. It’s a good “modern Girona” counterpoint to medieval sights.
Yes, it’s a practical indoor option when the weather turns. It’s also useful during peak heat hours in summer.

Photography

Policies can vary, and quiet spaces often restrict photography. If you want interior shots, ask staff first.
It’s better for clean architectural lines and calm interiors than for lively street scenes. Be mindful not to disturb other visitors.
Yes—walk toward the river for classic Girona views and bridges. The Old Town also offers plenty of dramatic backdrops.

Accessibility & Facilities

As a modern building, it’s typically more accessible than many historic Girona attractions. Still, confirm the easiest entrance and elevator access on arrival.
Yes, you can usually count on public-building facilities. It’s a useful stop when you need a practical break.
Wi-Fi is commonly available in public libraries, though access methods can vary. Check posted instructions or ask at the desk.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Some libraries have vending or basic drink options, but don’t rely on it as a full café. Plan a proper coffee stop nearby if that’s your goal.
Head back toward the river and Old Town edges for a wider choice of cafés and restaurants. The Eixample also has plenty of everyday local spots.
Eating is often restricted in library spaces. It’s safest to assume you should finish snacks outside.

Safety & Timing

Yes, it’s in a normal city neighborhood and feels like a typical civic building. Use standard city awareness, especially at night.
Weekday late mornings are often calmer than late afternoons. Saturdays can feel busier because opening time is limited.
Yes, public institutions may close on local and national holidays. If you’re visiting around major holidays, double-check before you go.

Nearby Attractions to the Biblioteca Pública Carles Rahola

  • Girona Old Town (Barri Vell): Medieval lanes, staircases, and viewpoints that define the city's classic look.
  • Girona Cathedral: A dramatic hilltop cathedral famous for its monumental presence and panoramic surroundings.
  • Jewish Quarter (El Call): One of Europe's best-preserved Jewish quarters, perfect for slow wandering and history.
  • Onyar River Houses: The colorful riverside façades that create Girona's most iconic photo scene.
  • Plaça de la Independència: A lively square lined with terraces, great for a post-walk drink or meal.

The Biblioteca Pública Carles Rahola appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Girona!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

(Summer) June 20 - September 15; Monday - Friday: 10:00-20:00; Saturday: Closed; Sunday: Closed.

(Winter) September 16 - June 19; Monday - Friday: 10:00-20:00; Saturday: 10:00-14:00; Sunday: Closed.

Price:

Free.

Address: Carrer Emili Grahit, 4C, 17002 Girona, Spain
Girona: 1 km
Telephone: +34 972 20 22 52
Official Website

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