The Instituto Cervantes Library

The library was established at the same time the Center opened in October of 1996. It hosts a collection that specializes in Spain and Latin America with more than 17,000 titles (books, magazines, videos, DVDs, music, and computer programs). The automated catalog provides instantaneous access to library resources and an efficient way to check out and reserve materials.

Library resources come from our own acquisitions as well as donations. The number of materials that are available increases in proportion to the annual budget that is set for acquisitions, as well as from the number of donations that are received from other public and private institutions and from individuals.

The library is open to the public. We offer our services to whoever is interested in the Spanish and Latin-American language and culture. The library has three computers with access to the Internet. Library users can access, free of charge, OPAC (the online public access catalog), search our databases, watch movies either in VHS or DVD format, and listen to CDs and tapes. Members of the Instituto Cervantes can check out items in person or by mail if they live outside of the city of Chicago.

You can access the catalog from any computer that is connected to the Internet by visiting http://absysnet.cervantes.es/abnetopac02/abnetcl.exe?SUBC=CHIC