The Circolo di Lettura is located inside the Palazzo Riserva, known as the Riserva because during the early years of Bourbon rule it was intended to house the court's distinguished guests.

It is located on Via Melloni and is a large complex of buildings with a troubled architectural history. It has been home to the Central Post Office since 1909, the "Glauco Lombardi" Museum and the History of Theater and Performing Arts Chair at the University of Parma.

Palazzo Riserva, which was the residence of Duke Ferdinand, has housed the "Società Parmense di Lettura e Conversazione" in its northern wing since 1866. Inside is the sumptuous Salone di San as the Paolo, which still retains its neoclassical furnishings and was intended by Duchess Maria Luigia as a ballroom, and other rooms such as the Red Room, the Yellow Room and the historical library.