Mexico does not play around when it comes to their local libraries. It's just not all food, the tropical climate, and beaches in this beautiful country. 

Skip the crowd and enjoy your downtime surrounded by books. Who knew you could find these beautiful bookstores and libraries in Mexico? 

Bring back a book as a souvenir. Drop the Piña colada and search the perfect book to take home. Here are some of the most widely known bookstores and libraries to visit:

  1. Librería Porrúa

Librería Porrúa was founded by Indalecio Porrúa, Francisco Porrúa, José Porrúa. This is also one of the longest operating business in the Mexican book industry.

This bookstore is perfect for books and scenery while drinking your coffee of choice.

  1. Biblioteca Vasconcelos

Biblioteca Vasconcelos is considered as the most architecturally well-known library. It opened in 2006 and houses around 106,000 book titles.

Unfortunately for English book readers, this might not have an English language section. 

But don't worry. The beautifully structured library can compensate in other ways.

  1. Centro Cultural Elena Garro

If you're in Mexico for your love for Frida Kahlo, include this to your itinerary.

Centro Cultural Elena Garro is located in the town of Coyoacán, which is Frida Kahlo's hometown.

  1. Rosario Castellanos Bookstore

This bookstore is located in Mexico's hippest neighborhood, La Condesa.This does not only cater to the booklovers but also serves as a movie theater. 

Mexican architect Teodoro González de León managed the renovation after it was abandoned for years.

  1. Biblioteca Central UNAM

Biblioteca Central is covered with Juan O'Gorman mosaics, which tells the history of Mexico. O'Gorman's mural was called the Historical Representation of Culture.

Considered as the queen of all libraries with its seven-stories. You can never go wrong whether you choose to stay inside the library or admire the huge mural outside.

  1. Biblioteca de México

Biblioteca de México was first launched in 1946. It is located behind the Ciudadela in Mexico City.

The library has over 250,000 volumes, with displays representing the five individual libraries named after known Mexican writers.

Biblioteca de México also offers a braille library for the visually impaired.

  1. Anglo Library

Anglo library suits you just fine if you don't speak Spanish or are trying to learn English.

Anglo Library focuses on English language books, which can help patrons who are not speaking Spanish. 

This was established in 1983 and is considered as the country's English-language library. The library has around 3,500 members. 

  1. National Library of Mexico

The National Library of Mexico was opened in 1867 by Benito Juárez. This holds over 1,250, 000 books and documents, including some of the oldest and rarest.

This also houses the original copy of Juan Rulfo's Pedro Páramo and manuscripts from Benito Juárez and Doctor Atl

Let these bookstores and libraries be part of your itinerary. Bookworm or not, it is always a delightful experience to experience a country's culture through its literature. Bonus the architectural beauty of these buildings. 

Ditch the magnet and grab the book!

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