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Having explored breathtaking libraries across Europe, South America, North America, and Asia, we now shift our focus to Africa’s most extraordinary libraries.
1. The Library of Alexandria
Africa’s most renowned library is the Library of Alexandria — a contemporary homage to the legendary ancient library.
Situated along the Alexandria coastline, near the site of its ancient predecessor, this library boasts space for over eight million books. However, the high construction costs have restricted its budget for acquiring books. Currently, its collection stands at approximately one million volumes, with half donated by the National Library of France. It houses the largest French-language collection in Africa and ranks sixth globally. The remaining books are primarily in Arabic and English.
The complex also includes a conference center, four museums, nineteen art galleries, a planetarium, a manuscript restoration lab, a multimedia library, a map library, a special library for the visually impaired, and the world’s only copy and external backup of the Internet Archive.
Images provided by Noel Hidalgo's Flickr stream and Wikipedia user CarstenW.
2. The Library at Saint Catherine's Monastery, Egypt
Founded in 381, Saint Catherine’s Monastery is often regarded as the world’s oldest monastery. Its library, established in the sixth century, is the oldest continuously operating library globally. It houses an extraordinary collection of over 3,500 codices in various languages, second only to the Vatican Library.
Among its most significant treasures is the Achtiname, a document containing a promise of protection from Muhammad to the monastery. The library once held the oldest nearly complete Bible, which has since been moved to Russia and later acquired by the British Library.
Images provided by Gillian C. Boal of the University of California Berkeley Library and Beautiful Libraries.
3. The Library at Misr University for Science and Technology, Egypt
The pyramid-shaped skylights in this building add an ancient Egyptian flair for students of technology and science, while also providing abundant natural light without significantly raising indoor temperatures.
The library mirrors its architectural approach in its collection, blending ancient Egyptian texts with scientific, cultural, and recreational materials. Additionally, it features a museum showcasing replicas of Egypt’s most iconic monuments.
Images courtesy of ArchNet.
4. The Library at October 6 University, Egypt
Curious about the university’s name? It’s named after 6th of October City, where it’s located. The library, though built for the university, is accessible to the public and situated approximately 550 yards away from the main campus.
5. The National Library of South Africa
Established in 1818, this is the country’s oldest library. Over the years, it has amassed numerous rare books and manuscripts through donations. In 1873, it became the legal deposit library for the Cape Colony, receiving copies of all publications from the region. By 1916, this legal deposit privilege extended nationwide, resulting in one of the most remarkable and comprehensive collections on the continent. In 1999, it merged with the State Library of Pretoria to form the two branches of the National Library of South Africa.
Image courtesy of Warren Tyrer's Flickr stream.
6. The Port Elizabeth Main Library, South Africa
Founded in 1845 by the Port Elizabeth News Society, this public subscription library initially operated from a small room. Its success allowed the group to purchase the entire building. The government later rented it as a courthouse for nearly 50 years before it was demolished and replaced with the current structure, which opened in 1902. In 1983, the building was designated a historic monument.
Image courtesy of Mike Barwood's Flickr stream.
7. The CL Marais Library, South Africa
Constructed in 1901, the CL Marais Library predates the official founding of Stellenbosch University in 1918. Rapid expansion was necessary to accommodate the growing college, leading to renovations in 1926 for additional space. A new library was built in 1938, but by 1983, even that facility became insufficient, prompting the construction of yet another building to house the university’s expanding collection.
Image courtesy of Clive Reid's Flickr stream.
8. The Hogsback Library, South Africa
This library, nestled in a quaint mountain village, is reputed to be the world’s smallest library. If you’re in the vicinity, note that visiting requires precise timing — it’s open to the public only from 3 to 4 PM on Wednesdays and 9:30 to 10:30 AM on Saturdays.
Image courtesy of Valerie Hinojosa's Flickr stream.
9. The Kenyatta University Library, Kenya
This modern architectural marvel was completed and inaugurated late last year. Standing six stories tall, each floor serves a distinct purpose: the basement handles acquisitions and binding, the first floor features a student lounge and checkout desk, the second floor contains social science books, the third floor hosts the humanities section, the fourth floor holds science and technology titles, the fifth floor houses special collections, and the top floor provides a reading space for students and faculty.
Image courtesy of ODDMAC.
10. The Balme Library, Ghana
As the main library of the University of Ghana, it comprises six departments and a dedicated section for disabled users. With over 100,000 books, including rare books and prints, it is widely regarded as the finest library in West Africa.
Image courtesy of Swegg's Flickr stream.
11. The Keren Public Library, State of Eritrea
Keren, along with Eritrea as a whole, has made significant strides in offering educational resources to its war-affected regions, particularly through modern libraries. This beautiful structure is one of many libraries that have flourished thanks to global donors collaborating with organizations like Book Aid International, providing funds, computers, and books to those in greatest need.
Do you know of any other remarkable African libraries deserving a spot on this list? Share your suggestions in the comments below!
