The oldest known library in the world is the Royal Library of Ebla, dating back to around 2500–2250 BCE, located near Mardikh in Syria. It was discovered in the 1970s and contained about 2,000 intact clay tablets and thousands of fragments, organized and classified by the ancient scribes. However, this library is no longer functioning as it is in ruins.
The oldest continually operating library is the library at Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai, Egypt, established between 548–565 CE. It has been in continuous operation since then and houses a vast collection of ancient manuscripts.
Additionally, the Al-Qarawiyyin Library in Fez, Morocco, founded in 859 CE, is also one of the oldest libraries still in operation today.
In summary:
- Oldest library ever: Royal Library of Ebla (c. 2500–2250 BCE, Syria), no longer operating.
- Oldest continuously operating library: Saint Catherine’s Monastery Library (548–565 CE, Egypt).
- One of the oldest operational university libraries: Al-Qarawiyyin Library (859 CE, Morocco).
