The initial period shows us the Library's origins, which go back to the late 19th century, in the immediate context of the organization of the Universal Exhibition of 1888 in Barcelona. The Library is installed in the first museum infrastructures that are created in the Ciutadella park and receives the contributions of private libraries formed in the 19th century.

1906 Catalogue of the Barcelona Museum of Fine Art

Includes the announcement of the Museum visiting times and for the first time mentions the hours of opening to the public of “The Graphic Library”, which is placed at the disposal of the public every weekday morning "from 10 to 1".