The Public Library in Mexico: Social Institution for Reading and Book Promotion

Abstract

The main goal of this paper is to demonstrate the role of the public library as a social institution, based on the case of Reading and book promotion Law in Mexico. First, review the meaning of public library as an institution with social functions, through the exploration among the concepts contributed by international organizations, official and academic entities. Then, the historical landmarks in the conformation of the public library in Mexico are reviewed, in order to understand the current state of the libraries of the country, just as the applicable law about public libraries and finally focus the discussion is focused in Reading and book promotion law in Mexico.