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Strike at Barcelona libraries during Sant Jordi week: possible closures
Sant Jordi week in Barcelona begins with an issue that could affect thousands of people: public libraries are going on strike. The walkouts coincide with one of the most important cultural moments of the year and could disrupt opening hours, activities, and even lead to temporary closures.
The calendar begins with a partial strike this Monday afternoon and continues with a 24-hour stoppage on Tuesday, accompanied by gatherings and marches in the city centre. From 25 April, Saturdays may also be affected, precisely on the busiest days.
The Ayuntamiento has already warned that it cannot guarantee the normal operation of the service. This means that some libraries could open with limitations or not open at all, affecting both book lending and study spaces and scheduled activities.
Behind the conflict is accumulated discontent among the workforce, made up of around 500 people. They denounce long working days, staff shortages, difficulties balancing work and life, and conditions they consider inferior to those of other municipal workers, as well as being excluded from collective-agreement negotiations.
Libraries are a key service in neighbourhoods and have a special role during Sant Jordi, with workshops, presentations and activities for all ages. That is why the conflict affects not only the workers, but also the cultural rhythm of the city in one of its most symbolic weeks.
If you were planning to go to the library these days, you may find reduced hours or closed doors, especially at key times of the week. Sant Jordi activities may also be cancelled, so it is advisable to check first whether your library is open. In a week when many people depend on these spaces to study, work or enjoy cultural programming, the strike may change your plans more than expected.