Interior of a children's public library, with low shelves full of books organized by categories such as "novels" and "short stories." The space is colorful, with brightly colored furniture, reading tables and beanbag chairs, and a wall decorated with a large musical staff and notes that runs the length of the room, creating a playful and welcoming atmosphere for children. Interior of a public library with shelves full of books and study tables. In the foreground, a sign indicates "General and Reference Collection" with areas such as social sciences, applied sciences, fine arts, and literature. Exterior view of a large public library, with modern architecture, surrounded by palm trees and a spacious plaza, with the city of Bogotá stretching out in the background under a cloudy sky.
  • Description
  • How to get there

The Manuel Zapata Olivella Public Library - El Tintal is located near the intersection of Avenida Ciudad de Cali and Avenida de las Américas. It opened its doors to the public on June 29, 2001, and was designed by architect Daniel Bermúdez and built on the site of a former garbage transfer station. Its name pays homage to the most important figure in Afro-Colombian literature, who was also a physician, anthropologist, and advocate for Black communities.

Since its opening, it has served residents of the Kennedy, Bosa, and Fontibón districts. It boasts a strategic location, with easy access to bike paths and local roads such as La Alameda, El Porvenir, and the bike path along Avenida Ciudad de Cali. In recent years, it has become a hub for knowledge, information, and cultural expression through services and programs tailored to the needs of its users.

The library has an area of ​​6,650 m² and a collection of 90,474 items, including books, audiovisual materials, multimedia resources, and serial publications. It also offers access to databases covering major areas of knowledge and entertainment, with content of interest to children, teenagers, adults, and materials for people with disabilities and senior citizens.

Recently, the library has acquired assistive technology (tools designed to assist people with visual impairments), such as a Braille printer in the main reading room, as well as all-readers and screen magnifiers. 

📍 How to get there

On TransMilenio, you can take route F, specifically F32, F51, F60, or F5. Get off at the Biblioteca El Tintal station. Route J23 also goes to the library stop. 

You can also take route G or Line B, depending on your location in Bogotá. Once you arrive at Tintal Station, it's a short walk to the library, which is well signposted.

If you're in a part of the city not directly connected to Line B, you can take a TransMilenio bus to a central station (like Calle 76 or Calle 100) and transfer to a route that will take you to Tintal Station.

If you're traveling by SITP (Integrated Public Transport System), take routes 291, 577, 593, G532, or H612.