Library Of Alexandria

The Library Of Alexandria

The Library of Alexandria is a great library and culture center, not only in Alexandria but on the Mediterranean coast and the whole world.

The ancient Egyptians had a great deal of knowledge in every field. Ancient Egyptian libraries are the most important source of this knowledge. The Ancient Egyptians had two different types of libraries. The first type was called ‘Pr-Madjet’ or ‘House of Books.’ This library was like our public library nowadays, so it was found in schools, colleges, and public areas.

While the other kind of library was called “Pr-Ankh” or “House of Life“. This library was very limited to the general public. It was found in the temples and exclusively for the members of the government and the priests.

Ancient Library of Alexandria

The Royal Library of Alexandria was once the largest library in the world. At first, it was part of a great research center or university. One of its main jobs, originally, was the editing and copying of the texts. It was soon becoming a center for research and learning. Scholars who worked there came from all over the ancient world.

The library consisted of several buildings. The main book depository, the museum with a satellite library in the newer Serapeum, the Temple of Serapis. The library was constructed during the time of Ptolemy I and got greater and greater during the times of Ptolemy II and Ptolemy III. While Julius Caser is accused of burning the Library of Alexandria.

Who destroyed Alexandria Library?

The destruction of the ancient Library of Alexandria, one of the most iconic and tragic losses of knowledge in human history, remains shrouded in mystery and historical debate. Multiple accounts suggest different culprits, but no definitive evidence points to a single responsible party. Here are the key figures and events often linked to the library’s destruction:

1. Julius Caesar (48 BCE)

• During Caesar’s siege of Alexandria, a fire broke out in the city, allegedly spreading to the docks and possibly affecting the library.
• Some historians suggest that the fire destroyed part of the library’s collection, though the extent of the damage remains unclear.

2. Theophilus and Early Christians (4th Century CE)

• Under the Christian Roman Empire, pagan temples and institutions were targeted during religious upheavals.
• Theophilus, Patriarch of Alexandria, led campaigns against pagan practices, which may have resulted in the destruction of remnants of the library.

3. The Muslim Conquest (642 CE)

• A widely circulated (but likely apocryphal) story claims that Caliph Omar ordered the burning of the library after the Muslim conquest of Alexandria.
• Scholars debate the validity of this account, as it appeared centuries after the alleged events and lacks corroboration from contemporary sources.

4. Gradual Decline

• Many historians argue that the library was not destroyed in a single event but deteriorated over time due to neglect, invasions, and changing cultural priorities.

While these theories highlight potential causes, the exact events remain uncertain. Most historians now agree that the library’s destruction was likely a combination of multiple incidents and gradual decline, rather than a single act by one individual or group.

New Library of Alexandria

Under the supervision of the former first lady of Egypt, Suzan Mubarak, the project of the New Library of Alexandria began in the 1990s. The construction of the library began in 1995, and it was officially inaugurated in October 2002.

The construction of the library cost about 200 million USD. In 2010, the Library received a donation of 500,000 books from the National Library of France.

The New Library has shelf space for 8 million books. The main reading room of the library covers 20,000 square meters.

The New Library of Alexandria contains a conference center, specialized libraries for maps, multimedia, the blind and visually impaired, young people, and children. It contains also four museums and four art galleries for temporary exhibitions. As well as 15 permanent exhibitions, a planetarium, and a manuscript restoration laboratory.

Design of the New Library of Alexandria

To choose the best design of the library, an architectural design competition was organized by UNESCO in 1988, to choose a design worthy of the site and its heritage. A Norwegian architectural office had won the competition. This Norwegian office was associated with Austrian Architect Christoph Kapeller and Egyptian Architect Ihab El Habbak. This architectural team consisted of 10 members representing 6 countries. As well, UNESCO created an International Commission for the Library of Alexandria which consisted of high-level representatives from 18 different countries and organizations.

The design of the library is awesome. The main reading room stands beneath a 32-meter high glass-paneled roof, tilted out toward the sea like a sundial. The walls are of gray Aswan granite, carved with characters from 120 human scripts.

Mission of the New Library of Alexandria

According to the official website of the library, www.bibalex.org, the main mission of the library is to be a center of excellence in the production and dissemination of knowledge and to be a place of dialogue, learning, and understanding between cultures and people.

So the library will focus on four main aspects, that seek to recapture the spirit of the original ancient Library of Alexandria.

The Library of Alexandria is one of the best things to do in Alexandria. It is as well included in most of our Egypt tour packages as well as in some of the Alexandria Day Tour.

How to get to the library from Alexandria?

To visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, here are your options based on your starting location within Alexandria:

1. From Alexandria City Center

• By Taxi:
  • Taxis are readily available. Ask the driver to take you to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
  • Negotiate the fare or ensure the meter is running.
• By Public Transport:
  • Take a shared minibus or taxi heading toward the Corniche Road or El Shatby District. Tell the driver your destination.
  • The library is a prominent landmark, and most locals know it.
• By Walking:
  • If you’re in the city center near Raml Station, you can walk to the library in 10–20 minutes. Follow the Corniche Road eastward toward the modern circular building by the Mediterranean.

2. From Alexandria Railway Station (Misr Station)

• The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is about 3 kilometers away.
• By Taxi or Ride-hailing Apps:
  • A short taxi ride takes 10–15 minutes.
• By Public Transport:
  • Board a shared minibus heading east along the Corniche.
• By Walking:
  • Walk along the Corniche Road for about 30–40 minutes.

3. From Borg El Arab Airport

• By Taxi or Private Transfer:
  • A taxi ride takes 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Check out our private transfers in Alexandria.

Tips for Visiting the Library

• Opening Hours: The library is open daily except on public holidays. Check the official schedule before visiting.
• Tickets: Entry fees vary for residents, students, and tourists. Tickets can be purchased at the main entrance.
• Nearby Attractions: After visiting the library, explore the Corniche, Qaitbay Citadel, or El Shatby Necropolis, all within close proximity.