Central State
Public Library
Half a century illuminating Mexicali with knowledge
The largest public library in Baja California. Designed by architect Enrique del Moral, with 12,000 m² distributed across two levels, eleven specialized rooms and free cultural programming every day of the year.
Key library facts
The most important things to know before your visit
OPENING DATE
April 30, 1976
ANNIVERSARY
50 years in 2026
AREA
12,000 m² on two levels
VISITORS
~13,000 users per month
ACCESS
Completely FREE admission
NETWORK
No. 190 — National Public Libraries Network
From 1976 to today: half a century of service
A project that marked the cultural modernization of Baja California
Grand Opening
On April 30 the Central State Public Library opens its doors, championed by Governor Milton Castellanos Everardo and Jorge Gurría Lacroix, general director of the National Library of Mexico. Constructora y Arrendadora del Norte handles construction.
Iconic Design
The building is designed by renowned Mexican architect Enrique del Moral. Its 12,000 m² distributed across two levels embody the principles of mid-20th-century modern Mexican architecture, emphasizing natural light and wide circulation paths.
Cultural Consolidation
The library becomes one of Mexicali's main cultural centers. Permanent programs for reading promotion, film cycles, book launches and exhibitions are developed. The offer of workshops and services for users with disabilities expands.
CIDEVI Inclusive Program
The collaboration with CIDEVI (Blind and Visually Impaired of Mexicali) is strengthened with permanent sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The room for the visually impaired becomes a model of library inclusion in Baja California.
50th Anniversary & Renewed Programming
In February the library launches its 2026 programming with workshops every day: reading, history, chess, literature and Mexican Sign Language. Coordination is led by Carolina Lozano Tovar (State Network) and Liliana Álvarez on-site.
Enrique del Moral: the architect behind the building
Enrique del Moral (1906-1987) was one of Mexico\'s most influential architects of the 20th century, renowned for his work on UNAM\'s University City and his exploration of modern architecture with Mexican identity.
The Central State Public Library is one of his late works. Its two-level design privileges natural light, wide circulation paths and integration with the urban context of Col. Nueva. Five decades on, it remains functional and emblematic.
The specialized rooms
From newborns to adult researchers, each room is designed for a stage of life, a type of reading or a specific need.
General Collection Room
Main collection with textbooks, latest literary releases and an extensive biography selection. Open-stack system for direct consultation.
Bebeteca (Baby Library)
Specialized space for babies and early childhood (0 to 2 years 11 months), featuring sensory books, soft materials and early stimulation activities.
Children's Room
Environment designed for children ages 3 to 12. Illustrated stories, youth literature, storytelling sessions and weekly reading circles.
Youth Room
Collection focused on teenagers and young adults with contemporary literature, graphic novels, academic resources and school support materials.
Reference Room
Encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, reference works and bibliographic databases for serious research. Study space with staff support.
Room for the Visually Impaired
Specialized room with braille materials, audiobooks and accessible resources. Permanent program in collaboration with CIDEVI (Blind and Visually Impaired of Mexicali).
Periodicals Library (Hemeroteca)
Active collection of local, national and international newspapers, magazines and periodical publications. Historical material for documentary research.
Ludoteca (Toy Library)
Playful-educational space to encourage learning through play. Didactic materials, board games and group activities for children.
Video Library
Audiovisual collection with documentaries, art-house cinema and educational material. Home lending of videos for 3 days, renewable.
Auditorium
Venue for book presentations, conferences, didactic concerts, film cycles and cultural events. Regular host of ICBC cultural activities.
Multi-purpose Room
Flexible space for workshops, courses, temporary exhibitions, community meetings and academic activities requiring special setup.
Free permanent workshops
There\'s activity every day for all ages, from babies in arms to adults interested in regional history. All workshops are free with a valid library card.
"Juegos de investigación" (Research Games)
Age: Ages 8 to 13
"Juguemos con los libros" (Let's Play with Books)
Age: Ages 7 to 10
"Entre pequeñas historias" (Storytelling Session)
Age: Ages 3 to 6
"Mis primeros pasos en la biblioteca" (My First Steps in the Library)
Age: Ages 0 to 2 years 11 months (with adult)
History Workshop (by Mtro. Miguel Esteban Valenzuela Robles)
Age: Youth and adults
Mexican Sign Language Level 1 (by Mtra. Dayana Vianey Razo Rosales)
Age: Youth and adults (beginners)
CIDEVI Activities (Blind and Visually Impaired of Mexicali)
Age: All ages — free admission
Requirement to participate
To enroll in any of the permanent workshops it is essential to have a valid library card. The process is completed on-site the same day. We explain the step-by-step process further down on this page.
A library for everyone
Inclusion is not a special program: it\'s a structural part of daily operations.
Room for the visually impaired
Braille materials, audiobooks and specialized attention. One of the few public libraries in Baja California with a dedicated space for people with visual impairment.
Permanent CIDEVI program
Steady collaboration with CIDEVI (Blind and Visually Impaired of Mexicali). Sessions Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM with free admission and participation of all ages.
Mexican Sign Language
Mexican Sign Language Level 1 course on Saturdays with Mtra. Dayana Vianey Razo Rosales. Open to the general public to build bridges with the deaf community.
"These workshops are part of the permanent work to keep public libraries active and close to the community. We want people to take ownership of these spaces and use them."
How to get your free library card
With your card you can access home lending and enroll in all workshops
Gather your documents
You need a current proof of address (electricity, water, phone or property tax bill), valid official ID (Mexican voter ID, passport or driver's license) and the data of a guarantor with ID.
Visit the library
Go to Av. Álvaro Obregón 1300, Col. Nueva, Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM or Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. No appointment needed.
Request your library card
Ask at reception about the library card process. Staff will give you the corresponding form and verify your documents.
Enjoy the services
With your valid card you can request home lending of books and videos, enroll in permanent workshops and access all cultural programming at no cost.
The process is completely free
There is no card fee, no annual dues, no membership. The library is a public service funded by the Secretariat of Culture of Baja California. You just need to have your documents in order.
Library services
What you can do at the Central State Library every day
Home Lending
Books from the General and Children's Collections for 7 days, renewable. Videos from the Video Library for 3 days. Requires a valid library card.
Open Stacks
Direct access to books without needing to request them from staff. You can browse, look through and choose the material you need.
Public Catalog
Search system to locate books by title, author or subject. Staff guides you on the most suitable sources for your needs.
On-site Consultation
Comfortable, quiet reading spaces. Reference materials available for academic research without library card requirements.
Services for the Visually Impaired
Braille materials, audiobooks and specialized attention in collaboration with CIDEVI. In-person sessions Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Cultural Activities
Book launches, conferences, temporary exhibitions, didactic concerts and cultural promotion programs throughout the year.
Special programs of the year
In addition to permanent workshops, the library activates seasonal and cultural extension programs
In Spring the Library Awaits You
National program with free recreational reading workshops during Easter break. Three simultaneous workshops for different children's and teen age groups.
My Vacation at the Library
Summer workshop for children and adolescents with reading dynamics, creative writing, crafts and artistic activities during school break.
ICBC Courses
The Library is also a registration site and venue for artistic workshops of the Baja California Institute of Culture: muralism, writing, dance, music and inclusive offerings.
Hours and location
Everything you need to know for your visit
Service hours
How to get there & contact
Av. Álvaro Obregón 1300, corner of Calle E and Julián Carrillo, Col. Nueva, ZIP 21100, Mexicali, B.C.
Liliana Álvarez
Institutional affiliation
The Central State Public Library is attached to the Secretariat of Culture of Baja California and the Baja California Institute of Culture (ICBC). It is part of the National Public Libraries Network with number 190, coordinated by the General Directorate of Libraries of the federal Secretariat of Culture.
Everything people ask
The most common questions about how to get the most out of the library
Where is the Central State Public Library of Mexicali located?
What are the library hours?
How much does it cost to enter the library?
Do I need a library card to enter?
How do I get a library card?
How many books can I take home and for how long?
Does the library have activities for young children?
Are there services for people with visual impairment?
Is Mexican Sign Language taught?
Can I study or work with my laptop there?
Who operates the library?
How many people visit the library?
Does the library have activities beyond regular workshops?
How do I find out about new activities?
Is it accessible by public transportation?
Why is the library important for Mexicali?
Discover the library that has shaped three generations
50 years of free service, 12,000 m² of culture, 11 specialized rooms and workshops every day.
Get your free library card and start enjoying one of the most important cultural spaces in northwestern Mexico.