Biblioteca Nacional, Rio Centro

When we first walked by the Biblioteca Nacional do Brasil (in English National Library of Brazil) we almost missed it as we saw the construction around the entrance and thought it was closed.  It turned out to be open with free admission, free lockers and we arrived as an English speaking tour guide was about to start her tour.

The largest library in Latin America and 8^th largest in the world.  The building was a cavernous sea of books and periodicals.  By law, every book published in Brazil must give one copy to the library, which has now amassed over 3 million books.

It rained briefly while we were inside for the tour, which worked out great for us as it was slightly cooler when we left Biblioteca Nacional.  The high in Rio that day was over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.