National Library (32 Panepistimiou Street)
Located in an emblematic building that is part of the trilogy of neo-classical styled buildings on Panepistimiou Avenue in the centre of Athens, the National Library contains a collection of historical documents and one of the most exquisite reading rooms in the country. Entry is gained with a coupon (CLICK HERE to get one)
Open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Athens Concert Hall (Megaron Mousikis, on Vassilis Sofias and Kokkali, tel 210 7282778)
The Lilian Voudouri Music Library was created by the Friends of Music and is aimed at providing information about Greek music, from Byzantium to demotic (folk), rembetika and others. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4.45 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Greek Parliament’s Library (Central building at Greek Parliament off Syntagma Square, entry from Vas. Sofias St. 210 3707227)
The library has three different branches and is open to anyone interested in gathering political, legal, constitutional information. Open to the public with the presentation of an ID. Open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Gennadeios Library (61 Souidias Street, Kolonaki, tel 210 7210536)
It opened its doors in 1926 and houses the 26,000 tomes that belonged to the noted Greek benefactor Ioannis Gennadios as well as a collection of 120,000 books. A reading center is located on the ground floor and the library often features art exhibitions. Open from Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday. Open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Central Library of the Municipality of Athens (2 Domokou Street, Larissis Station, tel 210 8846011)
One of the oldest libraries of the city contains rare material and over 55,000 titles as well as newspaper and magazine archives from 1863 through to today. The library also has a children’s section and musical library. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Wednesday from 9 a.m. through to 3 p.m.
Piraeus Municipal Library (cnr of El. Venizelou and Kolokotronis sts, Piraeus, tel 210 4126727)
A treasure trove of encyclopedias and a reading room on the 3rd floor that has the capacity to seat 35 people. You can find archives of information and old documents related to Piraeus.
ASKT Library (Higher School of Fine Arts, 256 Pireos Street, I. Rendis, tel 210 4883825)
Anything you want to know about art is here with a number of books and posters. Open to the public at large from 8.30 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and from 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday. Free.
Greek Literature and Historical Archieves of MIET (5 Agiou Andreou Street, tel 2103211149)
100,000 tomes of books, magazines, calendars and more! The fifth floor contains literary and historical archives. You can’t borrow but there is a comfortable reading room. Open from Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Library of the Technical Chamber of Greece (23-25 Lekkas Street, tel 210 3291701)
One of the most important technical libraries of Greece. Has been operating since 1927 and includes interesting collections. An ID is needed to borrow. Open on Monday, Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Eugenides Foundation Library (387 Syngrou Avenue, Paleo Faliro, tel 210 9469600)
One of the best libraries in Athens with a number of scientific books as well as literature. Computers are available and it is possible to borrow. Includes a children’s section and has children’s reading clubs as well as a number of events. Open from Tuesday to Friday from 8.30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Monday and Saturday from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Hellenic American Union (4th floor, 22 Massalias Street, Kolonaki, tel 210-3680044)
More than 35,000 titles of Greek and English-language books and mor than 250,000 digital books. Archives from US journals and rare books. Open to the public at large. From Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
French Institute’s Library (31, Sina St, Kolonaki, tel 210 3398650)
More than 40,000 French books and a large collection of CDs and DVDs. Free to students and open to the public for 30 euros per year and 20 euros or six months. Open from Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Comics Library (28 Karaiskaki Street, Psyrri)
The first library for comics from Comicdon and the Impact hub Athens opened its doors on February 11, 2015.
Italian Cultural Center Library (47 Patission Street, 210 5242646)
Italian literature and archives on the cultural heritage of Italy. Open on Monday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cervantes Institute Library (23 Mitropoleos Street, tel 210 3634117)
Spanish books related to the language and culture of Spain with 26,000 tomes and a seating capacity of 34 as well as 6 computers. Open from Monday to Friday 10.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Open on some Saturdays (not all).
Goethe Institute (14-16 Omirou Street, Kolonaki, tel 210 366100)
A wide range of German books and audiovisual material in German, with Greek translation. 10 euros per year to join and have the ability to borrow. Open from Monday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
