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Introduction to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
The Bibliotheca
Alexandrina, also known as the Library of
Alexandria, is a modern library and cultural
center located in Alexandria, Egypt. It was
inaugurated in 2002 and serves as a
commemoration of the original Library of
Alexandria, which was once one of the largest
libraries in the world but was lost in antiquity
. The idea of reviving the ancient library
was first proposed in 1972 by Mostafa El-Abbadi,
a professor at Alexandria University . The
Bibliotheca Alexandrina encapsulates the
original library's ethos, and it is a place of
knowledge that serves the minds and imaginations
of Egypt's students .
The Great Library of Alexandria, established by
Ptolemy I in 305-285 BC, was the most important
center of learning in ancient times . The
idea behind the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina
was to create a center of learning and culture
that would rival its ancient predecessor. The
new library is built on a magnificent site
alongside Alexandria's ancient harbor in the
historic center of the city . The design of
the new library is a reflection of the ancient
library's grandeur and importance, and it is a
symbol of Egypt's rich cultural heritage .
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina's striking
contemporary design features a circular, tilting
form that spans 160 meters in diameter . The
library's design was created by Snøhetta, one of
the most noted architectural practices in the
world . The library's design and architecture
are a testament to the importance of knowledge
and culture, and it serves as a beacon of hope
for future generations of Egyptians and people
around the world . The Bibliotheca
Alexandrina is not just a library, but it is
also a cultural center that hosts exhibitions,
lectures, and performances, making it a vital
part of Alexandria's cultural scene .
The
Library's Collections and Services
The Bibliotheca
Alexandrina (BA) is a renowned library that
boasts an extensive collection of materials
from a wide range of subjects. The library's
collection includes books, periodicals,
manuscripts, and multimedia materials,
covering topics from the arts to zoology
. The collections were donated from all
over the world, with some documents
detailing the Spanish period of Moorish rule . The library's focus is on education,
library science, the history of writing and
scripts, as well as the history of
Alexandria . The library opened in 2002 with
only 500,000 items, but it has since grown
to house over eight million volumes on seven
cascading levels .
The Bibliotheca
Alexandrina also has several special
collections and archives, including a Rare
Books section with over 15,000 rare books,
maps, and other special collections .
The Antiquities Museum collection holds
approximately 1,316 artifacts, providing a
glimpse into Egyptian history from the
Pharaonic era to the conquest of Alexander
the Great . The library also has
multimedia materials, depository documents,
university theses and dissertations, and
other unique or rare materials .
Additionally, the Local History/Special
Collections section is located inside the
Barrett Branch Library, which contains
materials related to the history of
Alexandria and Northern Virginia .
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina offers a variety
of services and programs to its visitors.
The library has extended opening hours, with
the main library open from Sunday to
Thursday, 10:00 am –7:00 pm, and on
Saturdays from 10:00 am –2:00 pm . The
library also provides visitors with the
Alexandria Community Web Archives, which
contains digital materials that document the
history of Alexandria . Furthermore, the
library automation software, Alexandria
Library Automation Software, is customized
to fit the unique needs of its users .
Overall, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina offers
a vast collection of materials and services
to its visitors, making it a must-visit
destination for anyone interested in
history, culture, and education.
The
Bibliotheca Alexandrina's Impact and
Significance
The Bibliotheca
Alexandrina, located in Alexandria, Egypt,
has made significant contributions to
research and scholarship. The library's
collections were donated from all over the
world, with documents detailing the period
of Moorish rule in Spain being among the
many contributions . The library aims to
serve scholars and researchers interested in
the study of the ancient library of
Alexandria and Alexandrian scholarship .
It has become a center of excellence in the
production and dissemination of knowledge,
offering a place for dialogue, learning, and
research . As a result, the Bibliotheca
Alexandrina has become an essential resource
for scholars and researchers worldwide.
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina has had a
significant cultural and educational impact
since its opening in 2002. The library's
construction aimed to recapture the ancient
glories of Alexandria and provide a new home
for the world's knowledge . It has
become a symbol of cultural revival in
Egypt, hosting an annual average of 1500
cultural and scientific events, including
book fairs and art exhibitions . The
library has become a hub for the local
community, offering resources for students
and researchers, as well as promoting the
future development of Alexandria . The
library's impact extends beyond Egypt, with
its resources and events attracting scholars
and researchers from around the world.
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina has plans for
future developments, including new projects
and continued cultural and scientific
events. The library's design employs the
most up-to-date engineering solutions and
includes one of the world's most
distinguished foundation and structural
designs . The library's current storage
capacity is 1.5 million volumes, with plans
for expansion in the future . The
library's mission to preserve the past and
promote the future development of Alexandria
continues to guide its growth and expansion . As a result, the Bibliotheca
Alexandrina will continue to play a vital
role in the cultural and educational
development of Alexandria and the world.
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