The ‘Tomás Navarro Tomás’ Library of the Institute of Albacete Studies (IEA) ‘Don Juan Manuel’ of the Albacete Provincial Council faces a new stage in its renewed headquarters within the Chalé Fontecha.
Specialized in local and regional themes, it has established itself as an essential space for research and study on Albacete and the province, making available to the public a valuable documentary collection of about 40,000 volumes, as reported by the Provincial Council in a press release.
Located on the second floor of the Chalé Fontecha of the Provincial Council, the IEA Library offers not only a general collection but also periodical publications, an important ancient collection, engravings, cartography, and personal donations.
It also stands out for its documentary collection of the Center for Studies and Documentation of the International Brigades, making it a reference point for historical studies.
EXPANDED AND IMPROVED SPACE
Since its reopening in October 2024, the Library has experienced a significant increase in the number of users, surpassing the figure of 2,200 visitors who have used its services.
In this new location, the space has been optimized to offer 27 reading places, three of which are dedicated to Internet browsing; another three for research; and four for reading newspapers and specialized publications. An expansion that has allowed to gain seven places compared to its previous location.
As part of the Castilla-La Mancha Library Network, access to the IEA Library is free, following the regional network regulations regarding loans and library services.
Its location, on the popularly known ‘Calle Ancha’ of Albacete, makes it a cultural reference point in the city center, closely related to other important places, such as the Public Library of the State in Albacete and the Abelardo Sánchez Park Library.
INCREASING DEMAND AND NATIONAL PROJECTION
The increase in personal loans and interlibrary loans reflects the growing interest in the resources offered by the IEA Library. In fact, the institution receives requests from different parts of Spain to access documents from its specialized collection.
Furthermore, the Library continues to support the acquisition and dissemination of works by local authors, both established and emerging, as well as children’s and youth literature.
With this, the Albacete Provincial Council, also through the Institute, continues to reaffirm its commitment to culture and research, supporting this reference space for the knowledge and history of the province.