Xanana Gusmão Reading Room
A vital library and museum dedicated to Timor-Leste's history, featuring Xanana Gusmão's collection and memorabilia.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Staff offer tours
Xanana Gusmão Reading Room
Best Time
Staff offer tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vital library and museum dedicated to Timor-Leste's history, featuring Xanana Gusmão's collection and memorabilia.
"An incredible collection of books and documents detailing Timor-Leste's history and independence."
🚶♀️ Explore the Layout
Enter from the front and head around back for entrances to the library and museum rooms.
🤝 Chat with Volunteers
Volunteer guides are incredibly welcoming and helpful, offering great insights.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Xanana Gusmão's Personal Collection
Library
An incredible collection of books and documents detailing Timor-Leste's history and independence.
Art Gallery & Memorabilia
Art Gallery
View portraits of Xanana Gusmão, some by himself, and other personal memorabilia.
Children's Library
Children's Library
A dedicated space for young readers, offering a welcoming environment for children.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover Timor-Leste's History
Explore Multiple Facets
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Explore the Layout
Enter from the front and head around back for entrances to the library and museum rooms.
🤝 Chat with Volunteers
Volunteer guides are incredibly welcoming and helpful, offering great insights.
💖 Make a Donation
Donations are appreciated to help with the costs of maintaining this valuable resource.
📚 Reference Collection
Books are for reference only and cannot be checked out, but the collection is extensive.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore the Layout
Enter from the front and head around back for entrances to the library and museum rooms.
🤝 Chat with Volunteers
Volunteer guides are incredibly welcoming and helpful, offering great insights.
💖 Make a Donation
Donations are appreciated to help with the costs of maintaining this valuable resource.
📚 Reference Collection
Books are for reference only and cannot be checked out, but the collection is extensive.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Xanana Gusmão Reading Room as a fantastic resource for understanding Timor-Leste's history and independence, highlighting the extensive book collection and personal memorabilia. The welcoming and knowledgeable volunteer guides are consistently lauded for enhancing the experience. While the main library is for reference only, the art gallery and children's section add further appeal.
"if you’re interested in reading about the history of TL and the independence and occupations, this is a fantastic library. the books are reference (can’t be checked out) but it’s an incredible collection. in Portuguese and English and some Indonesian. the art gallery is ok (can give donations) but the library is the prize here. friendly staff and the place was full of regular people working reading and using the computer.
enter in front and walk around back for the entrances to the rooms."
NoahJon Marshall
"This is a good place to learn about history of Timor Leste. I visited on a weekday during my lunchbreak and one of the staff gave me a tour of the various rooms.
There was room of various paintings including many portraits of Xanana Gusmão and some done by himself.
Another room had many photographs and documents and other items from Xanana Gusmão.
Then i visited both the main library and the children's library. The librarian gave me a tour and explanation of both.
There is cultural dance centre on the premises. One weekend i saw some youth performing some dances."
Delan Adikari
"Moderately interesting public library (a rarity in Timor-Leste) established by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão. It has a well used reading room, a children's room, and a range of Xanana Gusmão memorabilia and awards. When I visited in April 2024 the original building, a colonial era villa, was undergoing restoration work paid for by the Japanese. Work should be completed by the end of 2024."
Jonty Crane
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Xanana Gusmão Reading Room is centrally located near the beachfront in Dili, making it easily accessible. You can typically walk or take a short taxi ride from most central locations in the city.
While specific parking details aren't widely mentioned, the central location suggests that finding nearby parking might be possible, especially if arriving by taxi or private vehicle. It's advisable to check locally upon arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Xanana Gusmão Reading Room is generally free, though donations are highly encouraged to support its operations and maintenance.
Opening hours can vary, but it's often open during weekdays, especially around lunchtime when staff may offer tours. Visiting on weekends might allow you to see cultural dance performances. It's best to confirm locally or check for any posted schedules.
No, the books in the library are part of a reference collection and cannot be checked out. They are intended for use within the reading room.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore a vast collection of books on Timor-Leste's history, a museum with Xanana Gusmão's memorabilia and art (including portraits), a children's library, and a cultural dance center. +1
Yes, friendly volunteer guides are often available and happy to provide tours, explaining local culture and the significance of the collections. They often speak good English.
The main building, a colonial villa, was undergoing restoration in April 2024, with completion expected by the end of 2024. Accessibility details for the restored building would be best confirmed closer to or after its completion.
The library's collection includes books in Portuguese, English, and some Indonesian, reflecting the historical influences on Timor-Leste.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. While general areas might allow photos, it's always best to ask for permission from staff or volunteers before taking pictures, especially in areas with sensitive documents or artwork.
The art gallery with portraits of Xanana Gusmão and the exterior of the colonial villa (especially once restoration is complete) are likely good spots. The overall ambiance of the library can also be photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekdays, as staff have been known to offer tours, which could be engaging for older children interested in history. The presence of a cultural dance center on the premises also presents an opportunity for families to experience local arts. Remember that the main library's collection is for reference only, so focus on the dedicated children's area for hands-on engagement.
📚 History Enthusiasts
Don't miss the Xanana Gusmão memorabilia and the art gallery. The volunteer guides are a fantastic resource, eager to share detailed insights and historical context that bring the exhibits to life. Plan to spend ample time here to fully absorb the rich historical narrative.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Treasure Trove of History
Beyond the books, the premises house a significant collection of Xanana Gusmão memorabilia, including awards and personal items, as well as an art gallery featuring portraits, some of which were created by Gusmão himself. This personal touch offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a pivotal figure in Timor-Leste's history. The presence of a children's library and a cultural dance center further enriches the visitor experience, showcasing the multifaceted cultural heritage of the nation.
It's worth noting that the original building, a colonial-era villa, was undergoing restoration paid for by the Japanese, with completion anticipated by the end of 2024. This ongoing work signifies a commitment to preserving this historical site, promising an even more enhanced experience for future visitors. The central location near the beachfront also makes it a convenient and accessible destination for those exploring Dili.
The Role of Volunteers
These volunteers play a crucial role in contextualizing the exhibits, from explaining the historical significance of the books in the reference library to detailing the life and achievements of Xanana Gusmão. They are described as being 'delightful to ask questions' and are instrumental in making the visit both informative and personal. Their dedication ensures that visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of Timor-Leste's history and culture, transforming a simple visit into a memorable cultural exchange.
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