National Library of Malta

Valletta Malta

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Timings : Monday to Friday: 8:15 AM to 4:15 PM
Saturdays: 8:15 AM to 12:15 PM.
It is closed on Sundays

National Library, Malta Overview

The National Library of Malta, also known as the Bibliotheca, is a prominent reference and research library located in Republic Square, Valletta. Established in 1776 by Grand Master Emmanuel de Rohan-Polduc, it has been a legal deposit library since 1925, preserving a vast collection of manuscripts, books, and archives that chronicle Malta's rich history.

The library's origins trace back to 1555 when Grand Master Claude de la Sengle decreed that books from deceased members of the Order of St. John be added to the Order's treasury. In 1760, Louis Guérin de Tencin, a high-ranking member of the Order, acquired a significant collection of books, which laid the foundation for the library. The current neoclassical building, designed by Polish-Italian architect Stefano Ittar, was completed in 1796, though it opened to the public in 1812.

Collections and Significance

The National Library houses the Archives of the Order of Malta, containing documents from the 12th to the 18th centuries, including administrative records, correspondence, and legal documents. Its extensive Melitensia collection encompasses works by Maltese authors and publications related to Malta, making it an invaluable resource for researchers and historians.