Looking for a big amount of information sources and a quiet place to work on your exams? Milano libraries are the place to be.
The City of Milano owns and operates a huge Library System (SBM) with 23 local branches and one central library (plus a itinerating Bibliobus) which is a golden mine for your research, but also a safe haven to focus on study.
Here below we selected the biggest branches where you will find enough room and quietness to focus on your tasks and outdoor spaces to connect with the other students of the city.
Do not hesitate to ask the Library staff to get enrolled for free to the Library System on your first visit!
Discover all the branches, their locations and opening hours
Last updated: 27/07/2023
If you need extra quiet space for studying, walk in one of the Municipal Libraries.
Librarians are always there to help with your research, too.
A short walk from Duomo, Sormani is the central city library, with the widest range of books, magazines and multimedia documents of the Library system. It owns a particularly rich collection of human, juridical and artistic publications. Library visitors can also enjoy an enchanting Reading Garden.
Public transportation: bus 54, 60, 65, 73, 84 and 94 - tram 12, 23, 27 - MM1 (San Babila), MM3 (Missori)
It is the largest library branch with its 2,500 square meters distributed over three levels. Conveniently located next to the scientific and technologic faculties in the Lambrate-Piola area, it provides over 200 seats.
TIP: also enjoy your breaks in a lively and cool bar in the courtyard.
Public transportation: bus 54, 93 / tram 19, 33 / Metro line 2 (Lambrate), FS trains station Lambrate
Located just a block away from the gates of the Politecnico Bovisa Campus, it provides over 80 seats, a huge and bright study room and a hidden backyard garden for group study.
The added value of this library is the Chinese Books collection, built in partnership with the Shanghai Municipal Library.
Public transportation: bus 82, 92 | tram 2 | Ferrovie Nord Milano e Passante Ferroviario trains (Bovisa-Politecnico station, 850 mt), Metro line 3 (Dergano Station a 950 mt), BikeMi stall nearby.
Conveniently next to Cimiano M2 metro station and Parco Lambro, Crescenzago Library welcomes you with a band new look and furniture after refurbishing. You will find plenty of resources for learning Italian on the dedicated shelves.
Public transportation: Metro M2 (Cimiano)
Located just around the corner from the busy metro station of Abbiategrasso Chiesa Rossa, the library has its premises in a former typical Lombard farmhouse from the 17th century.
The library promotes a number of cultural events which during the summer take place in the surrounding park. If you wish to improve your Italian, don’t miss the Italian Conversation Club and the vibrant cultural events set up by the local citizen associations.
Public transportation: bus 54, 93 / tram 19, 33 / M2 (Lambrate), FS Lambrate
We have selected only a few libraries from the System. You probably have a library branch just a couple blocks away from your place or your university.
Access the full list of locations and find the nearest one to you. See the full list of the branches here and find the one nearest to you.
On your first visit to a Municipal Library, ask a librarian to register your membership.
Registration with the Library System of Milano is free and open to all. It is a prerequisite for access to services, with the exception of participation in cultural initiatives. It is valid for one year and expires on the date of birth of the holder.
Registration is made at the counter: show your ID or passport , your tax code, and share your address in Milano to receive the membership card valid in all the libraries of the System.
To register the library will ask you for the following data: name and surname, date and place of birth, domicile, tax code, telephone number, which will be processed in compliance with the privacy legislation.
Registration authorizes the System and libraries to send you communications related to services, courtesy notices, reminders and due notices.
Once registered, you can also use the services using, as an alternative to the card, a ID that shows the tax code with a barcode, such as the tax code/national service card or electronic identity card.