National Library of Albania

The National library is the biggest and richest library in Albania. It offers a great variety of literature, from national and international literary works of art, up to scientific studies and research. It is comprised of a rich collection of books, periodicals, maps, atlases, microfilms and other library materials.  Due to its importance, this library is charged with the collection, preservation, processing and restoration of the national linguistic, scientific and cultural heritage. 

It is the first public institution of the modern Albanian state which was founded on the 10th of July 1920. It was built upon the existing fund of “Komisia Letrare Shqipe” (Albanian Literary Committee), an Albanian-Austrian institution founded in 1917 in Shkodra.

Even at its earliest stage of activity the National Library of Albania had approximately 6000 volumes in its care and after World War II its collection had grown over 20 years to 15,000 volumes. As the post-war process of social revitalization was going on throughout the country, the collection continued to grow extensively to include a phenomenal 100,000 volumes across a broad variety of disciplines.

It is worth mentioning that during the communist period, this library was limited in terms of international literature, some portions of which were strictly off-limits to absolutely everyone. This was due to the extreme isolation of the country and to the restrictive information policies that were applied at the time. With the fall of the regime, things changed and the National Library underwent a radical process of modernization, not only in terms of literature and accessibility, but also in terms of logistics.  Today, this library occupies two buildings and operates under the authority of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports.

Today, the National Library is the main literary and information institution which serves as the most credible scientific and research centre of the nation.