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King Abdulaziz Public Library Safeguards Arab and Islamic Heritage
The King Abdulaziz Public Library is dedicated to preserving, documenting, and sharing Arab and Islamic heritage. Its vast collection of rare books, manuscripts, and artefacts offers invaluable insights into Arab and Islamic civilization. With over three million books and a growing digital archive, the library is a leading resource for researchers, scholars, and students worldwide.
Since its opening in 1987, the library has prioritized digitalization to ensure accessibility and preservation of its collections. It has published extensively on the Kingdom's and the broader Arab and Islamic world's history and hosted international seminars on heritage. The Arabic Union Catalog, an online platform launched by the library, supports research and cultural exploration.
The library houses a remarkable collection of over 8,000 manuscripts, 32,000 rare books, and 700 ancient maps, including Latin versions of Arabian Peninsula maps dating back to 1482. Its holdings also include 7,600 rare coins and a vast photographic archive featuring works by renowned photographers. The library's commitment to preserving Islamic heritage extends to rare copies of the Holy Quran, with over 350 copies in its collection. Exhibitions showcasing these treasures have been a cornerstone of the library's outreach efforts.
In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the King Abdulaziz Public Library continues to innovate. By digitizing its collections and hosting exhibitions both domestically and internationally, the library is not only preserving the past but also shaping the future of cultural understanding.