Founded in 1833 by order of King Pedro IV, the Porto Public Municipal Library (BPMP) occupied its current premises – the former Convent of Santo António da Cidade, an 18th century building that is now classified as a building of public interest – in 1842, becoming a municipal establishment in 1876. Its initial collection brought together bibliographic funds from the libraries of religious orders and private individuals. The decree that determined its creation also mandated that it be given a copy of any and all works printed in Portugal, a mission that continues to this day, through the receipt of the legal deposit.