First opened in 1887 by a group of 43 Portuguese immigrants, 15 years after the country gained independence, O Gabinete Real Português de Leitura, or 'The Royal Portuguese Reading Office', is an extensive library of great cultural significance - It is regarded as highly prestigious in intellectual circles, offering the largest and most valuable library of works by Portuguese authors outside of Portugal.

intended as a resource to broaden the knowledge of their members, and provide an opportunity for residents of the city to learn about the portuguese empire, It has over 350,000 volumes in print and digital format, as well as a collection of rare texts, and  precious 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.