The National Library of Armenia (NLA) is the world’s largest repository of Armenian printed heritage and the center of the national bibliography. As a scientific, cultural, and information institution, the library creates the necessary conditions for collecting, processing, preserving, and promoting Armenian cultural heritage. The library’s collections were originally formed based on the personal libraries of prominent state, public and cultural figures, as well as the collections of educational institutions.

The history of the National Library of Armenia dates back to 1832, when the library of the Yerevan Male Gymnasium was established. Its 18,000 items formed the basis of the National Library of Armenia’s collection. On July 4, 1919, during the council meeting of the ministers of Armenia, a law on “the National Public Book Depository” was adopted. Since 1999, July 4th has been celebrated as National Library of Armenia Day.

The National Library of Armenia is more than a library—it is the memory of a nation. Preserving centuries of Armenian intellectual and cultural heritage, it connects the past with the future through its vast collections, historic architecture, and commitment to education, research, and public access to knowledge. As one of Armenia’s most important cultural institutions, it welcomes visitors to explore the rich legacy of Armenian literature, history, and scholarship.

Our mission is:

• To become an integral part of the country’s progress in information policy, culture, education, science, and economy;
• To be an area of knowledge, an environment that creates value for the Armenian society;
• To be a client-oriented institution;
• To be an accessible national institution that contributes to the implementation of the country’s innovation policy, strengthens its compatibility and forms a knowledge-based society;
• To promote the national cultural heritage, support the diversity of cultural content and services;
• To improve legal and technological conditions to make information more accessible.

Facts about the National Library of Armenia:

• The library preserves more than 7 million items, including books, newspapers, journals, maps, manuscripts, dissertations, audiovisual materials, and electronic resources.
• It holds one of the world’s largest collections of Armenian-language publications, including rare books printed in Venice, Amsterdam, Constantinople, Madras, New Julfa and other historic Armenian printing centers.
• The library has digitized more than 16 million pages of books, newspapers, and periodicals, making many historical Armenian publications accessible through its digital collections.
• The library houses the Printing Museum, which showcases the history of Armenian printing from the publication of the first Armenian printed book, Urbatagirk (1512), to modern publishing.
• Beyond lending books, the library hosts exhibitions, public lectures, book presentations, educational programs, conferences, film screenings, and cultural events, serving as a vibrant public space for its users.

Beyond Screens, Between Pages: The Secret Life of a Library Booth

At the National Library of Armenia stands a small but remarkable feature known as the Booth of Western Armenian Poetry created by modern artist Gohar Sargsyan. It was originally created as a space where users could write poetry, exchange thoughts, and practice writing in Western Armenian.  Over time, however, the booth has come to serve a much greater purpose than its original one. The library users and students leave not only poems, but also anonymous messages, words of encouragement, questions, and invitations. Conversations begin on paper, friendships take shape, and, on occasion, strangers arrange to meet in the library garden. One note became especially memorable: a young man left a note and invited a young woman to meet in the garden. She replied, “How will I recognize you?” His answer was both simple and thoughtful: “Carry the flower I left with my previous note”. Sometimes the most memorable stories in a library are not written in its books. They begin with a handwritten note, quietly waiting inside a booth.

Introductory Video

History of the library

Read more on the national library’s page on CENL.