Madrid is filled with BancoLibros: a route to sit down to read and rediscover the city

2026/04/24

To mark World Book Day, Madrid presents SIT DOWN AND READ, an initiative that transforms urban spaces into an open invitation to reading. The project takes the form of a network of literary benches (BancoLibros), installed at various locations throughout the city, designed for something as simple and essential as stopping, sitting down, and opening a book.

Each of these benches becomes a small cultural haven amidst the city's frenetic pace. Accessible, open-air spaces that invite locals and visitors to reconnect with reading while discovering Madrid from a different perspective: more leisurely, more mindful, and more intimate.

The 2026 edition creates a route connecting all these BancoLibros (Book Banks), offering a unique tour through some of the city's most special corners. It's not just a stroll, but an experience that blends culture and public space, where each stop provides an opportunity to enjoy reading in a unique setting.

SIT DOWN AND READ is not just a one-off action for Book Day, but a way of reaffirming the value of reading in everyday life and its ability to transform the way we inhabit the city.

Check out the complete BancoLibros 2026 route here , plan your itinerary, and enjoy a unique stroll: with Madrid as your backdrop and a book as your best companion. And if you'd like to continue exploring the city from another perspective, don't miss our Madrid bookstore and library route , a selection of the best spots to find your next read.