Costache Sturza Library

The library currently occupies a modern facility constructed in 2004, located within the grounds of the Museum of Natural Sciences in Cancicov Park (Aleea Parcului no. 9). Unlike its previous locations, this 3,000-square-meter space was specifically adapted to meet the library's service needs, featuring modern infrastructure for reading, internet access, and document consultation. The building is not owned by the library itself but is situated within the museum complex, representing a significant upgrade from its earlier rented or municipal properties. This relocation in 2004 was driven by objective needs to provide a more suitable environment for the growing collection and public services.

The library's collection exceeds 442,772 documents, serving as a vast repository for the region. The holdings are dominated by Romanian-language books (421,851 units), followed by foreign language books (8,600 units) and a significant number of audio-visual collections (12,235 units). The institution maintains specialized collections including 'Genius Loci' (local memory), 'Didactica', and 'Ex-Centrica', alongside rare books, manuscripts, and digitized old Bacău newspapers. While the original 1893 collection of 2,000 volumes was dispersed and partially returned to the George Bacovia High School in 1967, the current holdings represent a century and a half of accumulated cultural heritage, including periodicals and local history archives.

As the oldest public library in Bacău, the Costache Sturdza Library holds immense historical significance, marking the beginning of organized public reading in the county. Its centenary in 1993 was celebrated with the publication of a historical volume, underscoring its role as a guardian of local identity. The library has evolved from a small donation-based initiative into a major regional institution, fostering cultural life through events like 'Bac-Fest' and 'Genius Loci'. Its continuous operation since 1893, despite political and administrative changes, demonstrates its resilience and enduring importance as a center for education and cultural preservation in Northeastern Romania.