Atacama Regional Library The public library in Copiapó, the capital of northern Chile’s Atacama Region, is named after an important local writer.
Services:
- Guided visits
About the institution
The José Joaquín Vallejo Regional Public Library, which forms part of Chile’s National System of Public Libraries, opened in 1983. It is named after a distinguished local writer, José Joaquín Vallejo Borcosque (1811-1858), who is considered the father of Chilean literature on local customs and everyday life.
Services
The services offered by the Atacama Regional Library include:
- Reading rooms. The Library’s collection is divided into six sections: Chilean Literature and Social Sciences Room, Children’s Corner, Young People’s Corner, Memory Room (with references works such as dictionaries, encyclopedias and maps as well as heritage material), Press Room (with local newspapers and one national daily) and Lazarillo Don Libro Room (with books, including in Braille, for blind and partially sighted people).
- IT services. Under the country’s BiblioRedes computer-access program, the Library has an IT laboratory. As well as Internet access, it offers training in basic digital literacy.
- Guided visits. In order to foster awareness of the Library and its services, guided visits are available for organized groups. • Cultural activities. The Library implements a regular program of cultural activities such as talks, poetry readings, film cycles and exhibitions.
- Educational activities. The Library has a number of programs that seek to foster the habit of reading in both children and adults, including a system of lending through street markets.
