The Athens Municipal Library is entering a new era. One of the country’s most significant and historic municipal libraries, belonging to the Organization of Culture, Sports, and Youth of the Municipality of Athens (OPANDA), is reopening on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

The Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, stated: “This is an important day for our city as the Municipal Library comes back to life. We worked methodically to offer citizens a modern, safe, and fully accessible space, which had remained closed since 2023. Here, we house our historic collection of 25,000 books, valuable archives, and unique treasures. But a library is not just a place where books are stored. It is a living entity, a cultural hub open to everyone. With upgraded facilities, we want it to once again become a landmark for every citizen. I invite you to visit, explore, and make it a part of your daily life.”

Athens Municipal Library Reopens

The President of the Organization of Culture, Sports, and Youth (OPANDA), Eleni Zontirou, stated: “The Athens Municipal Library, with a history dating back to 1835, has played a crucial role in the dissemination of knowledge. However, since 2021, it had been operating at a reduced capacity, following COVID-19 safety protocols until 2023, when it closed completely for necessary renovation work. Unfortunately, the project stalled when the initial contractor abandoned the work after six months. As soon as we took office, we prioritized the library’s restoration, and we succeeded. We are delivering a renovated space, open to all.”

A New Era for the Athens Municipal Library

The space has been thoroughly modernized, now featuring a complete heating and air conditioning system, an upgraded fire suppression system, and enhanced security cameras to protect its valuable collection. The interior layout has been redesigned to allow for quick and efficient visitor service, and two new, bright, and welcoming reading rooms have been added.

The library’s collection has been enriched with thousands of new titles, while approximately 25,000 books covering a wide range of subjects are now freely accessible to the public. The library’s electronic catalog, available at https://centralib.openabekt.gr, has been developed according to the guidelines of the National Documentation Center and International Library Standards. It is accessible online, allowing users to check the library’s resources at any time.

Additionally, more computers have been installed, WiFi coverage has been improved throughout the premises, and new signage has been added to make navigation easier for visitors. The updated schedule allows for planned visits by schools, universities, and researchers. At the same time, a new series of events, book presentations, and lectures will begin, reinforcing its role as a center of knowledge, research, and culture.

Athens Municipal Library

Address: Domokou 2, Larissa Station
Phone: 210-8236635 / 210-8846011

Opening Hours:

• Monday – Tuesday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Wednesday & Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Open on the first Saturday of every month: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Email: [email protected]
More information: https://www.opanda.gr/index.php/vivliothikes