The Syrian National Library is one of Damascus’s main institutions for preserving, studying and sharing written heritage. Its collections include books, periodicals, specialist documents, manuscripts and rare editions.
Major heritage collections
Figures published in 2026 refer to around 19,400 manuscripts and 3,600 rare books. The library is developing cataloguing, preventive conservation and digitisation work to protect these holdings and support research.
Research, training and cultural life
Beyond reading and consultation, the institution hosts manuscript training, lectures, literary meetings, exhibitions and children’s activities. It therefore contributes both to knowledge transmission and to the capital’s cultural life.
Connected to the publishing world
The library is a natural continuation of the Damascus International Book Fair. Consultation conditions and opening hours should be checked before visiting.