The National Library of Azerbaijan named after M.F. Akhundov is the largest state repository in the Republic of Azerbaijan. It serves as the creator of the state archive for our national press and literature, fulfilling the role of a scientific and methodological centre for all libraries in the country. It is a temple of science and a treasure of spirituality.

The official opening of the National Library of Azerbaijan took place on May 23, 1923. In 1939 the library was named after the prominent thinker, playwright and educator Mirza Fatali Akhundov. Currently, the National Library’s collection consists of 4,675,603 items. The number of permanent readers is 257,708, while the number of virtual readers is 7,243,746. The National Library of Azerbaijan has 14 reading halls in operation.
The National Library with its rich collection, includes early examples of Azerbaijani book culture, such as works printed using the lithographic method and the first printed books, as well as samples of 19th-century periodicals. The Rare Books and Library Museum section of the Library houses the oldest books published in about 20 different languages, fundamental research works in various fields of science, valuable collections of posters and maps and reference literature.

The National Library of Azerbaijan has signed memorandum of mutual cooperation with the national and university libraries of 57 countries of the world and exchanged books with the libraries of more than 80 countries. The National Library is a member of several international library organisations, including IFLA, the Conference of European National Libraries (CENL), the Eurasian Library Assembly (ELA), the Council of Directors of National Libraries of Turkic-speaking Countries, the Council of National Libraries of Member States of the Economic Cooperation Organisation and others.

For many years, the Azerbaijan National Library has carried out significant measures to reliably preserve and pass on our national and spiritual values to future generations. It has been at the forefront of introducing new technologies to modernise library services in line with contemporary demands and has launched projects focused on promoting our national spiritual values and supporting their return to the homeland.