The Ministry of Culture and the National Library of Peru inaugurated the Alfredo Bryce Echenique Study and Reading Room as a tribute to one of the country’s most recognized contemporary writers, according to a March 31 announcement. The new space is located at the San Borja headquarters of the National Library and will be open from Monday to Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The event was attended by Minister of Culture Soraya Altabás Kajatt, head of the National Library Juan Yangali, Elena Bryce Echenique—the author’s sister—and his editor Germán Coronado from PEISA. They said this space is a permanent recognition of Bryce’s literary importance.
During her remarks, Altabás Kajatt said: “Today not only do we open another reading room, but also a place for engagement with the sensitivity, humor and depth in Alfredo Bryce Echenique’s work—a writer who influenced generations. This tribute ensures that his voice will continue to engage with our country and its readers.”
Yangali said: “This room represents our commitment to bringing literature and thought closer to citizens. Honoring Alfredo Bryce Echenique is also reaffirming that access to books and reading is a right we must continue democratizing throughout the country.”
The study room offers modern furniture, suitable lighting, Wi-Fi connectivity, charging points for personal tablets, and computers with digital resources. There is an open shelf featuring major works by Bryce—such as ‘Un mundo para Julius,’ ‘La vida exagerada de Martín Romaña,’ and ‘No me esperen en abril’—as well as youth literature and publications edited by the library itself.
Digital resources include books and more than 400 audiobooks by prominent Peruvian authors like Mario Vargas Llosa, Julio Ramón Ribeyro, José María Arguedas among others. The facility can accommodate up to 102 people across two areas dedicated respectively to study/reading and access to digital resources.
As part of the ceremony, Minister Altabás Kajatt presented Resolution No. 089-2026-VMPCIC/MC—which was published on March 23—to the author’s family; it declares six bibliographic units from his literary production held by the library as Cultural Heritage of Peru.
