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The best libraries to work and study in Madrid, according to Reddit

The 4 libraries to work and study in Madrid that people on Reddit named as places they worked from, led by Biblioteca Reina Sofía, Biblioteca Iván de Vargas and Municipal Public Library Ana Maria Matute. The 6 after them are our own picks, by work score, to make 10.

Ranked by how many Reddit threads name the place as somewhere to work, then by work score. Quoted as written, linked to the thread. One branch per chain.

Intricate artwork adorns the ceiling of a grand library in Madrid, Spain.
  1. I recommend the Reina Sofía library, it's impressive and it's not very far from the BNE. You can bring a laptop and whatever, the only thing is you have to get a card

    Te recomiendo la biblioteca del Reina Sofía, es impresionante y no pilla muy lejos de la BNE. Puedes llevar portátil y lo que sea, lo único que te tienes que hacer carnet

    r/MadridDecember 2023Translated from Spanish

    Hours, amenities and photos for Biblioteca Reina Sofía

  2. Cafe Gosto, panaria, biblioteca Ivan de Vargas (if you can get the wifi to work), acid cafe or acid bake house, ambu coffee, nomade cafe.
    r/MadridMarch 2023mixed

    Hours, amenities and photos for Biblioteca Iván de Vargas

  3. Municipal Public Library Ana Maria Matute is a public library in the Carabanchel district of Madrid, open weekdays from 8:30 AM to 8 or 9 PM. The library is wheelchair accessible. The library is suitable for studying and work.

    My favourite library in Madrid is the Ana María Matute one (it's around Marqués de Vadillo, L5). You don't need a card, you can always find a place to work comfortably and the views are great.

    Mi biblioteca favorita en Madrid es la de Ana María Matute (está por Marqués de Vadillo, L5). No necesitas carné, siempre puedes encontrar un sitio para trabajar cómodamente y las vistas son geniales.

    r/MadridDecember 2023Translated from Spanish

    Hours, amenities and photos for Municipal Public Library Ana Maria Matute

  4. The Biblioteca Nacional de España is the national library of Spain. It is the largest public library in the country, and one of the largest in the world. Founded in 1711, it is an autonomous agency attached to the Ministry of Culture since 1990.

    Laptop yes, but you have to register it. Water/food, no (there's a cafeteria). Phone yes, but only to take photos of books. You can't bring books. It's possible to reserve and hold books

    Portátil sí, pero tienes que registrarlo. Agua/comida, no (hay una cafetería). Móvil sí, pero solo para sacar fotos de libros. No puedes llevar libros. Es posible reservar y guardar libros

    r/MadridDecember 2023Translated from Spanishmixed

    Hours, amenities and photos for Biblioteca Nacional de España

Our picks

Reddit named 4. These are the next best by work score, one branch per chain.

  1. It has reading rooms, group work spaces, free Wi-Fi, an exhibition room, a small auditorium and a café inside.

    Tiene salas de lectura, espacios de trabajo en grupo, wifi gratis, una sala de exposiciones, un pequeño auditorio y una cafetería dentro.

    Gianluca Marletta / Madrid NowJuly 2026Translated from Spanish

    Hours, amenities and photos for Biblioteca Pública Municipal Eugenio Trías

  2. Especially welcomed are the countless cubicles you can use for work which help you have more privacy.
    FlatioApril 2022

    Hours, amenities and photos for Central Library of the UNED

  3. Without fees and registration-free with not so much as showing your passport.
    FlatioApril 2022

    Hours, amenities and photos for Biblioteca Pública Municipal Mario Vargas Llosa

  4. Biblioteca Pública Municipal San Fermín is a public library in the Usera neighbourhood of Madrid. Reviewers describe it as clean and quiet, with comfortable temperature control and spotless bathrooms.

    Hours, amenities and photos for Biblioteca Pública Municipal San Fermín

  5. Biblioteca Pública Municipal José Hierro is a public library in Madrid with a large book collection that includes a strong children's section, comics, and foreign-language materials. The space is generous with reading areas and desks for working. Staff are attentive and helpful.

    Hours, amenities and photos for Biblioteca Pública Municipal José Hierro

  6. Municipal Library La Elipa is a public library in Madrid's Ciudad Lineal neighbourhood. The reading and study rooms are comfortable and spacious, with a quiet atmosphere. Reviewers praise the facilities and range of activities.

    Hours, amenities and photos for Municipal Library La Elipa

Quoted from the Reddit threads linked, which are not ours. If a quote is yours and you would rather it were not here, email us and it comes down.