The Athens Municipal Library is entering a new era. One of the most important and historic municipal libraries in the country, which belongs to the Culture, Sports, and Youth Organization of the Municipality of Athens (OPANDA), reopens 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 citizens a modern, safe, and completely accessible space, which has remained closed since 2023. Our historic collection of 25,000 books, valuable archives, and unique treasures is hosted here. However, 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 point of reference for every citizen again. I invite you to visit it, explore it, and make it part of your daily life.”
The President of the Organization for Culture, Sports, and Youth (OPANDA), Eleni Zontirou, stated: “The Municipal Library of Athens, with a history that dates back to 1835, has played a decisive role in the dissemination of knowledge. However, since 2021, it has been under-functioning, following COVID-19 protection protocols until 2023, when it was permanently closed, in order to carry out the necessary upgrade work. Unfortunately, the project stopped when the original contractor abandoned the work after six months. Immediately after taking office, we prioritized the restoration of the library and we succeeded. We are delivering an upgraded space, open to all.”
The new era of the Athens Municipal Library
The space has been radically modernized, now featuring a full heating and air conditioning system, an upgraded fire extinguishing system, and enhanced security cameras to protect its valuable collection. The interior layout has been designed to allow for immediate and fast service to visitors, while two new, bright, and welcoming reading rooms are in operation.
The library’s collection has been enriched with thousands of new titles, while approximately 25,000 books of all thematic categories are now freely accessible to the public. The library’s electronic catalog, https://centralib.openabekt.gr, has been created in accordance with the Guidelines of the National Documentation Center and the International Library Standards, and is available online, allowing users to be informed about its material at any time.
In addition, more computers have been installed, faster WiFi covering all its areas, as well as new signage that facilitates visitor navigation. The renewed opening hours allow for scheduled visits to schools, universities, and researchers. At the same time, a new cycle of events, book presentations, and speeches begins, strengthening its role as a center of knowledge, research, and culture.
Athens Municipal Library: 2 Domokou Street, Larissa Station
Phone: 210-8236635 / 210-8846011
Monday – Tuesday – Friday: 9:00 – 17:00
Wednesday & Thursday: 11:00 – 19:00
*Open the first Saturday of each month: 10:00 – 14:00
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