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The regulation of public reading at the National Library, embodied in Service Order No. 1,060, signed by Silva Marques (16/10/1950), along with his farewell remarks upon leaving the directorship, highlight the challenges faced by the institution. These problems largely stemmed from the characteristics of the space and its operations, emphasising the scientific nature of its mission: an “austere place of study” serving the men of science. Criticism of deficient functionality were common among a certain group of intellectuals during this period, even as they tried to spare the regime and its leaders from blame.
Considering that the BNL maintained evening reading hours (8pm – 11pm), except during August and September, there appears to be some contradiction with previously defended positions, as evening reading was likely to serve members of the working class. This is also evident in the concern for the physical appearance of readers, especially their attire.
As the Director of the National Library of Portugal (BNL) for over two decades, Manuel Santos Estevens, who modestly referred to himself as a "simple public servant" with the mission of defending and preserving Portugal's historical and artistic heritage, endeavoured to combine scientific training in history with the librarian-archivist course. He was directly involved in the inventorying of artistic and document collections. During his tenure, a significant issue facing the BNL was resolved: the relocation to a new building designed by architect Porfírio Pardal Monteiro, situated in Campo Grande, Lisbon. This project, which took over a century to design and around 17 years to build, culminated in the inauguration of the new National Library on 10 April 1969. The ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic, Admiral Américo Tomás, and received the blessing of Cardinal Cerejeira. The speeches were delivered by the Ministers of Public Works and Education. The latter, José Hermano Saraiva, would later play a significant role in communicating (and popularising) the History of Portugal.
The "Carnation Revolution" brought changes to the leadership of the National Library, with the appointment of A. H. de Oliveira Marques on 12 November 1974, during a period when another renowned historian, Vitorino Magalhães Godinho, was Minister of Education and Culture and later became the Director of the BNL in 1984. The turbulent post-revolutionary period, marked by political instability and frequent government changes, hindered Oliveira Marques' ability to fully accomplish his projects.
