Best Bookstores & Libraries in Quito, Ecuador
1. Casa de la Poesia
A vibrant literary center that hosts poetry readings and workshops. Offers a unique collection of Ecuadorian literature.
- Rich Literary Programs: Hosts regular poetry readings, writing workshops, and cultural events.
- Ecuadorian Literature Focus: Boasts a collection primarily of Ecuadorian authors and works.
- Community-Oriented: Encourages community engagement and participation in literary activities.
2. Biblioteca Municipal Metropolitana del Sur
The largest public library in Quito with a vast collection of books and multimedia resources.
- Size and Resources: Features the largest collection of books and multimedia resources among Quito's libraries.
- Multimedia Resources: Offers a wide range of digital resources such as e-books, audiobooks, and online databases.
- Community Services: Provides free Wi-Fi, study rooms, and community events.
3. Librería de las Naves
A unique bookstore located in a former airplane hangar, offering a wide selection of books and artisanal products.
- Unusual Location: Located in a former airplane hangar, providing a distinctive atmosphere.
- Artisanal Products: Sells artisanal products from local Ecuadorian artists and craftsmen.
- Wide Selection of Books: Offers a wide variety of books in Spanish, English, and other languages.
4. Librería El Rincon Americano
An English-language bookstore offering a wide selection of books, magazines, and stationery.
- English-Language Books: Offers a vast collection of books, magazines, and other materials in English.
- Stationery Selection: Features a wide variety of stationery, notebooks, and writing instruments.
- Friendly Service: Provides personalized service and helpful recommendations to customers.
5. Librería y Cafe Casa del Alabado
A cozy bookstore and cafe located in a colonial-style building with a stunning view of Quito.
- Colonial Ambiance: Set in a historic, colonial-style building with a traditional ambiance.
- Cafe and Books: Combines a cozy cafe with a well-stocked bookstore.
- Stunning Views: Offers a panoramic view of Quito from its terrace seating area.
6. Librería La Moderna
A long-standing bookstore with a vast collection of books, magazines, and educational materials.
- Long-Standing Bookstore: One of the oldest bookstores in Quito, established in 1936.
- Vast Collection: Offers a vast and diverse collection of books, magazines, and educational materials.
- Educational Materials: Specializes in educational materials for students and teachers.
7. Librería El Guerrero
A family-owned bookstore with a focus on Ecuadorian literature and books on various subjects.
- Family-Owned Business: Run by the same family for over four decades.
- Ecuadorian Literature: Features a wide selection of books by Ecuadorian authors.
- Variety of Subjects: Offers books on a range of topics, from fiction to non-fiction and academic texts.
8. Librería y Cafe El Jardin Secretos
A bookstore and cafe with a secret garden offering peace and tranquility.
- Secret Garden: Features a hidden, serene garden where customers can read and relax.
- Cafe and Books: Combines a cozy cafe with a selection of books for sale.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Offers a calm and quiet environment ideal for reading and studying.
9. Librería y Cafe La Sirena Negra
A bookstore and cafe known for its unique selection of fantasy and science fiction books.
- Fantasy and Sci-fi Focus: Specializes in fantasy, science fiction, and horror books.
- Cafe and Books: Combines a cozy cafe with a well-stocked bookstore.
- Friendly Service: Provides personalized service and helpful recommendations to customers.
10. Librería La Catedral del Libro
A large bookstore offering a wide selection of books, magazines, and stationery.
- Size and Selection: Features one of the largest selections of books, magazines, and stationery in Quito.
- Book Clubs: Organizes regular book clubs for customers interested in discussing their reads.
- Knowledgeable Staff: Employs experienced and knowledgeable staff who can provide recommendations based on customer preferences.
11. Librería y Cafe La Casona de la Ronda
A bookstore and cafe located in a colonial house with a beautiful courtyard.
- Colonial House Location: Set in a historic, colonial-style building.
- Cafe and Books: Combines a cozy cafe with a selection of books for sale.
- Beautiful Courtyard: Features a beautiful courtyard where customers can read and relax.
12. Librería y Cafe La Factoria del Libro
A bookstore and cafe with a focus on local and international literature.
- Local and International Literature: Offers a diverse selection of books from Ecuadorian and international authors.
- Cafe and Books: Combines a cozy cafe with a well-stocked bookstore.
- Friendly Service: Provides personalized service and helpful recommendations to customers.
13. Librería y Cafe El Jardin de los Libros
A bookstore and cafe with a focus on children's literature.
- Children's Literature Focus: Specializes in books for children, including picture books, early readers, and young adult novels.
- Cafe and Books: Combines a cozy cafe with a selection of children's books.
- Children's Activities: Offers story hours, workshops, and other activities for children.
14. Librería El Pintadito
A bookstore that also offers painting classes and exhibitions.
- Art-Focused Bookstore: Offers books on art, as well as painting classes and art exhibitions.
- Book Selection: Features a wide variety of books related to art, including theory, history, and techniques.
- Artistic Community: Caters to artists and art enthusiasts seeking inspiration and knowledge.
15. Librería y Cafe La Casa de los Misterios
A bookstore and cafe with a focus on occult literature and spirituality.
- Occult Literature Focus: Specializes in books on the occult, mysticism, and spirituality.
- Cafe and Books: Combines a cozy cafe with a selection of books for sale.
- Knowledgeable Staff: Employs experienced staff who can provide guidance on the store's unique selection of books.