Municipal Library & Municipal Gallery Paul Girol

  

 

​Nestled in the heart of Nazaré, the Biblioteca Municipal José Soares and the Galeria Municipal Paul Girol serve as twin pillars of the town's rich cultural and artistic heritage. These institutions not only preserve Nazaré's historical narratives but also foster contemporary artistic expression, acting as vibrant community hubs.

BIBLIOTECA MUNICIPAL JOSÉ SOARES

Established in November 2008, the Biblioteca Municipal José Soares was inaugurated to provide Nazaré's residents and visitors with a modern space dedicated to literature, research, and community activities. In May 2022, the library was named in honor of José Soares, a distinguished local writer, poet, and researcher, on his 100th birthday, recognizing his invaluable contributions to Nazaré's cultural identity. ​

Facilities and Services:

• Internet and Printing Services: Visitors can access complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the library and utilize on-site, pay-per-use,  printing facilities for documents and research materials

• Diverse Reading Rooms: The library offers specialized spaces catering to different audiences, including children's and adult reading rooms, ensuring a welcoming environment for all age groups. ​

• Bébeteca: A dedicated area for infants and toddlers aged 0 to 3, promoting early literacy and a love for reading from a young age. ​

• Bedeteca: This section is devoted to comic books and graphic novels, appealing to enthusiasts of sequential art. ​

• Cinemateca and Fonoteca: Patrons can access a wide range of films and music, enriching the library's multimedia offerings. ​

• Cultural Programs: The library hosts various activities, including temporary exhibitions, conferences, author meet-and-greets, storytelling sessions, puppet shows, workshops, and literary discussions, fostering a dynamic cultural scene. ​

Recent Developments:

In August 2024, the library underwent renovations to enhance its facilities and services, aligning with the latest guidelines from the IFLA - UNESCO Manifesto for Public Libraries. These improvements aimed to better serve the community's evolving needs.

 

GALERIA MUNICIPAL PAUL GIROL

Situated within the Municipal Library building, the Galeria Municipal Paul Girol stands as a testament to Nazaré's commitment to the arts. The gallery is named after Paul Girol (1911-1988), a French painter renowned for his evocative depictions of Nazaré, capturing the essence of the town and its people. ​

Features:

• Exhibition Space: The gallery boasts an interior area of 101 square meters, offering excellent conditions for displaying various art forms. ​

• Artistic Homage: By bearing Paul Girol's name, the gallery honors his artistic legacy and his deep connection to Nazaré, where he frequently painted and exhibited his work in the 1970s. ​

• Diverse Exhibitions: The gallery hosts a variety of exhibitions, from photography displays, such as Álvaro Laborinho's "Revisitar a Nazaré," to showcases of local and international artists, enriching Nazaré's cultural landscape. ​ Câmara Municipal de Nazaré

Visiting Information:

• Accessibility: The gallery is equipped with wheelchair access and restroom facilities, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests. ​

• Operating Hours: Typically open from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Visitors are advised to check the latest schedules before planning their visit.

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