in daytime, the atmosphere of the reading room is even more unique as  light comes in through red, white and blue stained-glass windows.

dedicated solely to portuguese literature, the library houses the largest number of works by portuguese authors outside of Portugal, with approximately 350 thousand pieces of literature,  including rare editions such as the 1572 'os lusíadas' by luís de camões, the 'ordenações de dom manuel' by jacob cromberger published in 1521, and the 'capitolos de cortes e leys que sobre alguns delles fizeram' published in 1539, which may be consulted by researchers and experts with special authorization.