If you’re a book lover visiting the historic city of Tunis, don’t miss the Tunisian National Library, located just a 15-minute walk from the iconic Al-Zaytuna Mosque.

A beacon of knowledge and culture, the Tunisian National Library houses over a million titles across various disciplines and languages, alongside a remarkable collection of more than 40,000 manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts date back to the 11th century and were gathered from across Tunisia. These invaluable resources are available to both local and international researchers and scholars.

Facilities and Services

The library offers diverse spaces tailored to visitors’ needs:

• Manuscript Room: Accommodates 144 readers and is accessible to registered researchers.

• General Reading Room: Features 200 seats for public use.

• Periodicals and Digital Resources Room: With 177 seats, it provides access to journals, maps, postcards, and electronic resources.

• Youth Section: Home to over 7,000 titles for children and teenagers.

• Louis Braille Room: Dedicated to visually impaired readers.

• Lecture Hall: Hosts national and international conferences and events.

• Exhibition Space: Showcases rare manuscripts, new releases, and cultural displays.

Practical Information

The library is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7:45 p.m., except on Sundays and public holidays.

A Rich Historical Legacy

Founded in 1885, the Tunisian National Library is one of the oldest in Africa and the Arab world. Originally situated near Al-Zaytuna Mosque in the historic Souk El Attarine, it moved to its current modern building in 2005.

The library’s early collections were enriched by two historic libraries:

• The Abdaliya Library (established in the 16th century).

• The Ahmadiya Library (founded in the mid-19th century).

Over time, its holdings expanded through book acquisitions, international exchanges, and donations from Tunisian intellectuals.

Conclusion

More than just a research hub, the Tunisian National Library is a gateway to Tunisia’s history and culture, where visitors can explore centuries of written heritage. The building itself is an architectural marvel, blending tradition with modernity.

A visit here isn’t just about reading, it’s a journey into the heart of Tunisian knowledge and creativity!