Barcelona Library Consortium Marks 25 Years of Growth and Community Impact
Barcelona, January 9 – The Barcelona Library Consortium (CBB) is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary this Saturday, commemorating a quarter-century of dedicated service and transformative impact on the city’s library system. Established in 2001, the CBB has successfully reshaped “the way Barcelona lives its libraries,” with a remarkable 42% of citizens, approximately 750,000 individuals, now holding a library card.
Significant Expansion and Increased Engagement
According to a statement released by the Institut de Cultura de Barcelona (Icub) on Friday, the CBB’s network has experienced substantial growth since its inception. In 2001, the network comprised 25 libraries and employed 177 staff members. Today, it boasts 41 libraries and a workforce of nearly 500 professionals.
Visitor numbers have also seen a dramatic increase. From 2.3 million annual visits in 2001, the libraries now welcome over 5.5 million visitors each year. The number of library cardholders has surged from 192,204 (8% of Barcelona’s population) in 2001 to almost 750,000, representing 42% of the citizenry.
Enhanced Collections and Specializations
The consortium’s collection has expanded significantly over the past 25 years. Initially, the CBB network held nearly 700,000 documents and offered 7 specialized collections. Currently, its 41 libraries house over 2.3 million documents and feature 30 specialized collections. In 2025 alone, more than 4 million loans were processed, demonstrating the increased utilization of its resources.
Commitment to Sustainability and Digital Literacy
Beyond its core services, the CBB has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and digital inclusion. All libraries within the network are now equipped with energy monitoring systems, and 19 libraries have installed photovoltaic panels. Furthermore, 14 libraries have received environmental quality certifications from the Generalitat, and 20 hold energy efficiency certificates.
The libraries actively promote digital literacy, organizing over 2,000 digital literacy activities annually, attracting more than 10,000 attendees. In 2025, they hosted over 80,000 students for school visits and conducted more than 3,800 training activities. The CBB also facilitates over 180 annual reading clubs, fostering a vibrant literary community.
Future Outlook and Community Impact
The 25-year milestone underscores the CBB’s pivotal role in Barcelona’s cultural and educational landscape. Its continuous expansion, commitment to modern services, and focus on sustainability highlight its dedication to serving the community and adapting to evolving needs. The consortium’s success reflects a broader trend of increasing engagement with public libraries as vital community hubs.
As the CBB looks to the future, its established infrastructure and strong community ties position it for continued growth and innovation, further solidifying Barcelona’s reputation as a city that values knowledge, culture, and accessibility for all its residents.
Source: https://www.larazon.es/cataluna/consorci-biblioteques-barcelona-cumple-25-anos-casi-750000-personas-carne_2026010969612927af09df50109ffcb2.html?outputType=amp
