The Municipal Library of Athens is entering a new era. One of the most important and historic public libraries in the country, which belongs to the Culture, Sports and Youth Organization of the Municipality of Athens (OPANDA), will reopen on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
The Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, said: “It is an important day for our city with its Municipal Library coming back to life. We have worked methodically to offer our citizens a modern, safe and fully accessible space, which had been closed since 2023. It houses our historic collection of 25,000 books, valuable archives and unique treasures. But the library is not just a place where books are kept. It is a living organism, a cell of culture open to all. With upgraded infrastructure, we want it to become a reference point for every citizen once again. I invite you to visit it, explore it and make it part of your daily life.”
The President of the Culture, Sports and Youth Organisation (OPANDA), Eleni Zontirou, said: “The Municipal Library of Athens, with a history dating back to 1835, has played a key role in the dissemination of knowledge. However, from 2021 it was under-utilised, following the protection protocols from COVID-19 until 2023 when it closed permanently in order to carry out the necessary upgrade works. Unfortunately, the project was halted when the original contractor abandoned the work after six months. Immediately after taking office, we made it a priority to restore the library and we succeeded. We delivered an upgraded space, open to all.”
The new era of the Municipal Library of Athens
The space has been radically modernised, with a full heating and air conditioning system, an upgraded fire extinguishing system and enhanced security cameras to protect its valuable collection. The internal layout has been designed to allow for immediate and quick service to visitors, and there are two new, bright and welcoming reading rooms.
The library’s collection has been enriched with thousands of new titles, while around 25,000 books of all subject categories are now freely accessible to the public. The library’s online catalogue, https://centralib.openabekt.gr
In addition, more computers have been installed, faster WiFi covering all areas, and new signage to make it easier for visitors to navigate. Renewed opening hours allow for scheduled visits to schools, universities and researchers. At the same time, a new cycle of events, book launches and talks is being launched, reinforcing its role as a centre of knowledge, research and culture.
Municipal Library of Athens: Domokou 2, Larissa Station
Phone Number: 210-8236635 / 210-8846011
Monday- Tuesday- Friday: 9:00 – 17:00
Wednesday& Thursday: 11:00 – 19:00
*first Saturday of the month: 10:00 – 14:00
email: [email protected]
More Information at: https://www.opanda.gr/index.
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