The Bibliotheca Alexandrina isn’t just a library—it’s a celebration of human progress, past and future. Whether you’re a researcher, a curious traveler, or a lifelong learner, this institution welcomes you to explore, engage, and be inspired.

Location & Contact:
- Address: El Shatby district – in front of El Selsela beach, 138 – El Shatby – Alex 21526 – A.R.E.
- Tel: +20 3/ 4839999
- General Email: secretariat@bibalex.org
Mission & Vision:
- Revive the spirit of the ancient Library of Alexandria.
- Be the world’s window on Egypt.
- Be Egypt’s window on the world.
- Be a pioneer in the digital field.
- Be a center for knowledge, tolerance, dialogue & understanding.
Facilities & Components:
- Main Library: Millions of books.
- Internet Archive
- Specialized Libraries:
  - Audio-visual material library
  - Taha Hussein Library (for the Blind)
  - Children’s library
  - Young People’s library
  - Microfilm materials library
  - Rare books & special collections library
- Museums:
  - Antiquities Museum
  - Manuscripts Museum
  - History of Science Museum
- Planetarium
- Explora (Science Center): Discoveries rooms & children’s scientific fairs.
- Exhibitions:
  - Two permanent exhibitions: “Shady Abd El Salam world” & “Alexandria through the Centuries”.
  - Six specialized halls for temporary exhibitions.
- Conferences Center: Capacity for 3,000 persons (Note: Text says 9,000, but standard capacity is 3,000; clarification recommended).
- Seven Specialized Research Centers:
  - Center for Documentation of Cultural and Natural Heritage (CULTNAT)
  - Manuscript Center
  - Center for Calligraphy and Writing
  - International School of Information Science (ISIS)
  - Alexandria and Mediterranean Research Center (Alex Med)
  - Arts Center
  - Center for Special Studies and Programs (CSSP)
- Forums
Visitor Information:
- Annual Visitors: Over 800,000.
- Opening Hours:
  - Library & Permanent Exhibitions: Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Fri & Sat: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
  - Closed: Tuesdays and official holidays.
- Entrance Fees (Egyptians):
  - Persons: 4 LE
  - Students: 2 LE
  - School Students: 1 LE
  - Comprehensive Ticket (Library + Exhibitions + Museums): 8 LE
- Entrance Fees (Foreigners):
  - Persons: 10 LE
  - Students: 5 LE
  - School Students: 5 LE
  - Comprehensive Ticket (Library + Exhibitions + Museums): 45 LE
- Museum Fees (Separate – Per Museum):
  - Egyptians: 4 LE (Students: 2 LE)
  - Foreigners: 20 LE (Students: 10 LE)
- Planetarium/Explora Fees: Purchased separately at the Planetarium entrance.
- PanoRama Show (Documentary Center): Free shows (French: 12:30 PM, English: 1:30 PM, Arabic: 2:30 PM).
- School/Group Visits: Mandatory pre-reservation (max 50 persons, at least 2 weeks before). Contact Visits Management: Tel: 03/4839999 Ext. 1398, 1573, 1574; Email: visits@bibalex.org.
Membership:
- Apply in person: Fill application + submit photo ID (ID card or passport).
- Must present card for entry.
- Replacement fee for lost card: 10 LE.
- Membership is for individuals only (not schools/companies).
- Inform membership office of address/phone changes.
Library Services:
- Computing Services:
  - 250+ networked PCs for accessing BA Catalog, selected websites, databases, e-resources.
  - No MS Office. Printing/e-mailing results possible.
  - Requires valid membership/day ticket + reservation at Specialized Info Desk.
  - Pre-paid copy cards required for printing/scanning.
  - Personal laptops allowed (supervised).
  - Strict Usage Policy: Educational/scholarly use only. No personal email, games, shopping, chat, messengers. Filtering software used. Misuse = loss of privileges.
- Specialized Tours (for Librarians): For professional exchange. Contact: librarian.tours@bibalex.org / Tel: +203 4839999 Ext. 1060, 1841, 1839.
- Researchers’ Services:
  - Research queries answered via mail/fax/in-person.
  - 200 study rooms available for rent (reserve via Info Desks).
- Copy Service: Photocopying, scanning, printing (B2 & B4). Pre-paid cards. Strict copyright enforcement (max 10% of a work).
- Information Services:
  - General Information Desk: Entrance level, first point of contact, general info, orientation, referrals.
  - Specialized Information Desks: On each library level (7 cascades). Assist with catalog/databases, retrieving materials, reserving PCs, reference enquiries (email/fax/mail/phone/in-person).
- Guided Tours:
  - Languages: Arabic, English, French, Italian, Spanish.
  - Included in entrance ticket.
  - Public Tours (Individuals/Families): Every 15 mins during opening hours. No reservation needed.
  - Pre-scheduled School Groups: Reservation mandatory (5 days min).
  - University/Company/Travel Groups: Available, reservation recommended (2 days min).
  - Duration: 30 minutes.
  - Contact Visits Dept: visits@bibalex.org / Tel: +203 4839999 Ext. 1573/1574. Reservation highly recommended for Fri/Sat & Italian/Spanish tours.
  - Age Restriction: Youth >6 years allowed in Main Reading Hall & B1 Exhibitions only if accompanied by a tour guide.

Inside the Marvel: Bibliotheca Alexandrina – Egypt’s Icon of Knowledge and Culture

Bibliotheca Alexandrina – Discover Egypt’s modern marvel that bridges ancient knowledge with digital innovation. A global hub for learning and culture.

Nestled along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in the El Shatby district of Alexandria, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina stands as a grand tribute to one of history’s most celebrated institutions: the ancient Library of Alexandria. More than just a building, it’s a beacon of knowledge, tolerance, and global dialogue.

Launched with the vision of being Egypt’s window to the world and the world’s window on Egypt, this modern library aspires to reclaim Alexandria’s historical legacy as a center for learning, research, and intercultural understanding.

Where Knowledge Meets Location: The El Shatby Landmark

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s prime location adds to its significance. It sits prominently in front of El Selsela Beach, at 138 El Shatby, Alexandria 21526, A.R.E. Easily accessible and visually captivating, the library attracts over 800,000 visitors annually.

Contact Information

Phone: +203 4839999
General Email: secretariat@bibalex.org

The Ancient Inspiration

This project isn’t just a modern creation—it’s a reincarnation. The original Library of Alexandria, one of the ancient world’s greatest treasures, symbolized human curiosity and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. By reviving this spirit, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina doesn’t just serve as a library—it becomes a monument to intellectual freedom, cultural heritage, and innovation.

Architectural Wonder

The building itself is a statement. With its vast tilted roof symbolizing the rising sun and walls inscribed with characters from over 120 languages, the structure is both futuristic and respectful of the past. The main reading hall spans over 70,000 square meters with a glass-paneled ceiling that allows natural light to pour in.

The Heart: Library Collections

General Collections

With millions of books across languages and genres, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina caters to a global audience. From academic references to fiction, it’s a reader’s paradise.

Rare Books & Special Collections

Some of the most prized possessions are housed in climate-controlled sections, including rare manuscripts, microfilms, and unique archives.

Specialized Libraries for Every Need

Audio-Visual Library

Offers access to multimedia resources including films, recordings, and digital archives.

Library for the Blind (Taha Hussein Library)

Named after a legendary Egyptian intellectual, this section ensures accessibility for all, using Braille and other assistive technologies.

Children and Young People’s Libraries

These sections cultivate a love for reading from an early age, offering interactive tools and youth-targeted books.

Microfilm Library

Preserves old documents, newspapers, and archives for research purposes.

Museums Inside the Bibliotheca

The library complex features three prominent museums:

Antiquities Museum – A collection of Egyptian relics from various historical eras.
Manuscripts Museum – Showcasing ancient texts and rare handwritten works.
History of Science Museum – An interactive space tracing scientific evolution in the Arab and global worlds.

Planetarium and Science Fairs

The Planetarium is a crowd favorite, offering space-themed shows for all ages. Alongside are the Discovery Rooms and Children’s Scientific Fairs, designed to ignite scientific curiosity in young minds.

Permanent and Temporary Exhibitions

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina hosts two permanent exhibitions:

“Shady Abd El Salam World”
“Alexandria Through the Centuries”

Additionally, six specialized halls regularly host temporary fairs and exhibitions from global artists and institutions.

Conference Center & Research Excellence

With a 9,000-person capacity, the conference center is equipped to host global events. The library also houses seven research centers, focusing on:

Heritage documentation
Manuscript studies
Arabic calligraphy
Information sciences
Mediterranean studies
Fine arts
Scientific research

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Services That Empower

From high-speed computing (250+ networked computers) to copy and print centers, everything is geared towards facilitating academic and public engagement. PCs are connected to laser printers, with prepaid cards available at the membership desk. Emailing results, scanning, and photocopying are also accessible.

Affordable Access for All

Library Entry Fees

Category	Egyptians	Foreigners
Adults	4 LE	10 LE
University Students	2 LE	5 LE
School Students	1 LE	5 LE
Total Ticket (All-Inclusive)	8 LE	45 LE

Note: Tickets include guided tours, access to fairs, and museum visits.

Membership Details

Anyone can become a member by submitting an application along with a photo ID. A lost card can be replaced for 10 LE, and members enjoy priority access to services, research rooms, and more.

Guided Tours in Multiple Languages

Available in Arabic, English, French, Italian, and Spanish, guided tours operate every 15 minutes during visiting hours. School and group tours should reserve in advance, particularly for Friday and Saturday visits.

Visiting Hours

Day	Timings
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday	11 AM – 7 PM
Friday, Saturday	3 PM – 7 PM
Tuesday & Holidays	Closed

Researchers’ Services

There are 200 study rooms available for researchers, which can be booked for a nominal fee. Research applications are processed via mail, fax, or in-person.

FAQs about Bibliotheca Alexandrina

1. What is the Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s main goal?
To revive the spirit of the ancient library while serving as a global hub for knowledge, culture, and digital innovation.

2. Can foreigners visit the library?
Absolutely. The library welcomes international visitors with special guided tours and access to exhibitions.

3. How do I book a school visit?
Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance by calling +203 4839999 (Ext. 1573 or 1574).

4. Are there services for the blind?
Yes, the Taha Hussein Library provides extensive resources and tools for visually impaired visitors.

5. What makes the Bibliotheca’s architecture special?
Its design symbolizes the rising sun and features inscriptions in more than 120 languages, representing global unity.

6. Are guided tours included with the ticket?
Yes, comprehensive tours in multiple languages are included in the entry fee.