Introduction

Located inside the Municipal Affairs Bureau Building on Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro (San Ma Lo), the Senado Library was designed based on the Library of the Mafra Convent (Biblioteca do Convento de Mafra) in Portugal. Its decoration and furniture are imbued with a strong classical atmosphere. In 1949 and 1951, the Notícias de Macau republished articles from and published commentary in the South China Morning Post, praising the library's design and considering it one of the most luxurious libraries in the East at the time.

Opened in 1929, this library is the predecessor of the Macao Central Library and one of the libraries with the longest service history and most valuable collections. It currently specializes in collecting foreign-language ancient books from the 17th century to the mid-20th century, particularly historical documents on Portugal's presence in Africa and the Far East, many of which are rare treasures. The collection also includes Portuguese newspapers from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the first newspaper founded by foreigners within China and Macao's first-ever newspaper, the Portuguese-language A Abelha da China (The China Bee), founded in 1822.

Nearby Attractions

• Municipal Affairs Bureau Building (Former Leal Senado): Its predecessor was the Chinese 'Yishi Ting' (Senate Hall). Before the handover, it was called the Leal Senado. The original structure dates back to the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty (1573–1620) and served as a meeting place for Chinese officials and Portuguese leaders to handle affairs and convey imperial decrees.
• Senado Square: Named after the Senado (now the Municipal Affairs Bureau Building). The buildings surrounding the square were constructed in the late 19th century.
• General Post Office Building: Completed in 1929. Designed by the then Public Works Bureau's Chinese architect, Chan Kwan Pui.
• Holy House of Mercy Building: Originally built in the 18th century, the entire structure was rebuilt in the 19th century. The current building seen today was reconstructed in 1905.
• St. Dominic's Church (Pan Cheong Tong): First built in 1587 by Dominican priests, it is one of the oldest churches in Macao.