Palestinian National Library

The Palestinian National Library (Arabic: المكتبة الوطنية الفلسطينية) is a national library located in Ramallah, in the West Bank, Palestine. It was also known as the National Library of Palestine. It was established in 2019 and located in Surda, a village near Ramallah.[1] The library covers an area of 4,700 square meters and served as a repository of Palestinian cultural heritage and knowledge.[2]

Palestinian National Library
المكتبة الوطنية الفلسطينية
The Palestinian National Library in Ramallah
Map
31°56′02″N 35°11′40″E / 31.933906°N 35.194363°E / 31.933906; 35.194363
LocationSurda, Ramallah, Palestine
TypeNational library
Established2019
Collection
Items collectedBooks, journals, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and other materials related to Palestinian history, culture, and society
Size200,000+
Other information
DirectorIssa Qaraqe

Ehab Bessaiso was appointed as the first chairperson of the library in 2019.[3] He was later replaced by Issa Qaraqe.[4]

The library's collection includes books, journals, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and other materials related to Palestinian history, culture, and society. The library also collects materials related to the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Palestinian diaspora. It is the largest library in Palestine and at its founding held more than 200,000 books and other items.[5][6] The library joined the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions in January 2023.[citation needed]

Since its foundation, the library has struggled to obtain sufficient funding to cover operating costs and staff salaries.[7]

References

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  1. ^ "Palestinian National Library to Replace Hospitality Palace, Spurs Debate Rather than Celebration".
  2. ^ "The National Library of Palestine receives its first collection of historical photographs documenting Palestine".
  3. ^ "Palestinians to turn presidential palace into national library". 27 August 2017.
  4. ^ "Israeli Occupation looted manuscripts, books about Palestine's history: Palestinian National Library". Egypt Today. 17 February 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
  5. ^ "Palestinian National Library to collect Palestine's scattered archives - Al-Monitor: Independent, trusted coverage of the Middle East". 24 October 2019.
  6. ^ Kholi, Alaa (2019). "Palestine National Library".
  7. ^ https://mds.marshall.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1055&context=lib_faculty