National Library of Tunisia
A magnificent, spacious library symbolizing Tunisia's dedication to knowledge, featuring a rich collection and quiet study spaces.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more focus
National Library of Tunisia
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more focus
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent, spacious library symbolizing Tunisia's dedication to knowledge, featuring a rich collection and quiet study spaces.
"A truly magnificent library that deserves to be visited, reflecting Tunisia's love of knowledge. "
💳 Get Your Subscription
A yearly subscription (30 dinars) is needed for access. Bring ID copy & photo. :admission_tickets:
📚 Book Search Strategy
Be patient when requesting books; availability can be an issue. :books:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Staircase
Ascend the magnificent staircase, a beautiful architectural feature leading to the library's knowledge-filled halls.
Spacious Reading Rooms
Experience the quiet, clean, and well-equipped reading areas, perfect for focused study and research.
Rich Collection
Explore a diverse array of books and themes, reflecting Tunisia's love for knowledge and culture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Knowledge
Navigating the Collection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
where do i find a public library in centre ville tunis (zone avenu?)
💳 Get Your Subscription
A yearly subscription (30 dinars) is needed for access. Bring ID copy & photo. :admission_tickets:
📚 Book Search Strategy
Be patient when requesting books; availability can be an issue. :books:
🤫 Respect the Silence
Maintain a quiet environment for fellow researchers. :speakerwiththree_speakers:
💻 Website Woes
The library's website can be slow; plan visits in person. :computer:
Tips
from all over the internet
💳 Get Your Subscription
A yearly subscription (30 dinars) is needed for access. Bring ID copy & photo. :admission_tickets:
📚 Book Search Strategy
Be patient when requesting books; availability can be an issue. :books:
🤫 Respect the Silence
Maintain a quiet environment for fellow researchers. :speakerwiththree_speakers:
💻 Website Woes
The library's website can be slow; plan visits in person. :computer:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The National Library of Tunisia is a magnificent and spacious institution reflecting Tunisia's love for knowledge, with a rich collection and quiet reading rooms. However, visitors note significant drawbacks including slow service, difficulty finding books, a lack of Wi-Fi, and restricted borrowing policies for the general public.
"The Tunisian National Library, or the National Library, is a truly magnificent library and deserves to be visited. It is a beautiful, spacious place that reflects the bright, civilized face of Tunisia and its people and their love of knowledge. It needs to add a small café nearby so that readers can continue reading and research with greater enthusiasm. I also suggest adding some rose seedlings on both sides of the grand staircase leading to the library."
بيت الحكمة العماني
"Variety of books... quiet, clean, and well-equipped place"
Caramella B
"Poor service: you can never find the books you need; they're never 'available.' Furthermore, employees take way too long to provide documents, and most of the time, they can't find the book or give lame excuses.
The website is so slow and doesn't work properly.
Accessible documents are never put back on the shelves.
The employees are very noisy.
There's no internet connection.
It's appalling!"
salma bani
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Library of Tunisia is located in the Kasbah area, next to the Cour de Cassation, at 1008, Boulevard du 9 Avril 1938, Tunis.
While specific details on public transport routes are scarce, the library is centrally located in Tunis, suggesting that local buses or taxis would be viable options to reach the Kasbah area.
The library is open daily from 8 am to 7 pm, providing ample time for visitors to explore its collections.
Parking in the Kasbah area can be challenging. It's advisable to consider public transport or be prepared for a potential search for street parking.
Information regarding specific accessibility features is limited. However, the mention of a grand staircase suggests potential challenges for those with mobility issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, visitors need a subscription card to access the library's collections.
A yearly subscription card for the National Library of Tunisia costs 30 dinars.
To apply for a subscription card, you will need a photocopy of your passport or ID and one recent photograph.
Currently, borrowing privileges are primarily dedicated to higher education students and teachers, which some find restrictive for the general public.
While you might be able to enter the premises, accessing the full collections and borrowing privileges requires a subscription card.
🎫 📚 Onsite Experience
The library is described as a spacious, clean, and quiet place, reflecting a civilized face and a love for knowledge.
Currently, there is no café within the library. Visitors have suggested adding one to enhance the reading experience.
Unfortunately, there is no internet connection available at the library, which can be a significant drawback for researchers.
Some visitors have reported difficulty finding specific books, with them often being unavailable or misplaced.
Experiences with staff vary; some reviews mention slow service and employees being noisy, while others imply a general lack of efficiency in retrieving documents.
📸 📸 Photography
Specific rules on photography are not detailed, but given the focus on a quiet research environment, it's best to inquire at the information desk before taking pictures.
The grand staircase and the spacious reading rooms are often highlighted as visually appealing areas within the library.
It's advisable to assume that flash photography might be prohibited to protect the collections. Always check with staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the library is described as spacious and clean, the emphasis on quiet study and the lack of dedicated children's sections or amenities like a café might make it less engaging for younger visitors. Parents looking for a family-friendly outing might find other cultural sites in Tunis more suitable.
📚 Students and Researchers
However, researchers should be prepared for potential challenges in accessing specific materials. Be patient with the document retrieval process and consider that the library's website may not be fully functional. The absence of Wi-Fi is a significant factor to plan around, so ensure you have offline research materials or alternative connectivity solutions.
🏛️ Culture Enthusiasts
While direct engagement with the collection might be limited without a subscription, the library's existence and its vast holdings represent a significant cultural asset. Visiting the library can be an enriching experience, offering a sense of the intellectual heart of Tunis.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Collection and Its Accessibility
Furthermore, the library's policy on borrowing is primarily geared towards higher education students and teachers. This exclusivity has been criticized for not being 'fair' to the general public who might also benefit from these resources. The process of loaning documents is also described as slow, with employees sometimes unable to locate books or providing 'lame excuses.' This lack of modernization in loan procedures and limited public access are recurring themes in visitor feedback.
Despite these challenges, the library remains a vital hub for academic and intellectual pursuits in Tunisia. The spacious, clean, and well-equipped reading rooms offer a conducive environment for study, provided one can navigate the system for accessing materials.
Visitor Experience and Amenities
However, the overall visitor experience is hampered by a lack of essential amenities and operational inefficiencies. A recurring suggestion from visitors is the addition of a small café to allow readers to continue their research with greater comfort and enthusiasm. Crucially, the absence of an internet connection (Wi-Fi) is a significant drawback in today's digital age, making research and document access more challenging.
Service quality is another area that draws criticism. Reports of slow service, employees taking too long to provide documents, and general noise levels among staff detract from the otherwise serene atmosphere. The library's website is also noted for being slow and not working properly, further complicating the visitor's journey.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit