King Fahd National Library, National library in Olaya district, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
King Fahd National Library is a facility in the Olaya district of Riyadh with a triangular design and vertical architectural elements across its large footprint. The building features Arabic inscriptions in marble and contains reading rooms, conference halls, and exhibition spaces for public access.
The facility was established in 1983 and construction began in 1986 following a community initiative around the time of King Fahd's accession to the throne. The project emerged from a desire to create a national center for knowledge collection and preservation.
The library houses manuscripts and rare books that reflect the development of Arabic literature and knowledge across centuries. Visitors can see these collections and explore visual records of Saudi history preserved in its archives.
Visitors can use reading rooms and explore exhibitions, with materials available in Arabic and English. It is helpful to check opening hours and access requirements in advance, as these may vary depending on the visitor type.
The facility operates as the official center for ISBN registration and manages the Saudi National Bibliography, a comprehensive index of literature published in the country. This registry allows the tracking and documentation of the nation's entire publishing output.
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