Piazza Tesoreria in Valletta during the 1860s with British-era fencing and statue of De Vilhena

National Library Of Malta

National Library of Malta: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Valletta’s Historical Gem

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Valletta, the National Library of Malta—also known as the Bibliotheca—stands as a testament to the island’s enduring cultural and intellectual legacy. With origins dating to the 16th century and housed in an exquisite neoclassical building, the library not only preserves invaluable manuscripts and archives but also serves as a vital research institution and symbol of national pride (mymalta.guide; GuideMeMalta; Heritage Malta). This guide provides detailed information about the National Library of Malta’s visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, collections, and tips for making the most of your visit—including nearby Valletta historical sites.

Historical print of Biblioteca e Caffé della Regina in Malta showing interior with people

Aerial view of Malta island with coastline and urban areas

Malta Public Library in Valletta historic painting by Charles de Brocktorff

Historic Biblioteca e Caffè della Regina in Valletta Malta

Malta Biblioteca e Caffe della Regina in Valletta, historic library and cafe building

Piazza Tesoreria in Valletta Malta in the 1860s with British-era orchard and statue of Grand Master de Vilhena

Historical Overview

Origins and Early Development

The National Library of Malta traces its roots to the mid-16th century, when the Knights of St. John began preserving their manuscripts and books. By 1555, Grand Master Fra Claude de la Sengle mandated that the Order’s intellectual assets be systematically collected. The library’s holdings grew significantly during the 18th century, particularly through the efforts of Louis Guérin de Tencin, who opened a collection of nearly 10,000 volumes to the public. Grand Master Emmanuel de Rohan-Polduc later formalized the library as the Bibliotheca Publica, making it accessible to scholars and the Maltese public (holidify.com).

Architectural Significance

The library’s neoclassical building, designed by Stefano Ittar and completed in 1796, is renowned for its harmonious proportions, Doric and Ionic columns, and grand marble staircase. Located in Republic Square—adjacent to the Grand Master’s Palace and facing the statue of Queen Victoria—the structure is a Grade 1 national monument and a focal point within Valletta’s UNESCO World Heritage cityscape (Heritage Malta; Times of Malta).

National Status and Collections

Since 1925, the library has served as Malta’s legal deposit institution, ensuring that all Maltese publications are archived for posterity. Its collection now exceeds 300,000 volumes, including rare manuscripts from the Crusader era, the complete Archives of the Order of St John, and extensive Melitensia—works by Maltese authors or about Malta (Paper in Motion; HMML).

Visiting the National Library of Malta

Location and Setting

Situated at 36 Old Treasury Street, Valletta, the library is centrally located in Republic Square (Pjazza Regina), surrounded by historic cafés and close to major attractions like St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Upper Barracca Gardens (Near Place).

Visiting Hours

Monday to Friday: 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:15 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed

Always check the official website for updates, especially during public holidays or special events.

Tickets and Admission

Admission: Free of charge for all visitors—no tickets required.
Entry Requirements: Valid identification may be required, especially for access to research materials.

Accessibility

Physical Access: The building is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and an elevator to the main reading room. Due to the historic nature of the building, some areas may have limited accessibility—contact the library in advance with any specific needs (Near Place).
Facilities: There are no on-site cafés or public restrooms, but Republic Square nearby offers refreshments and amenities.

Visitor Guidelines

Dress Code: Modest attire is encouraged; maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor.
Photography: Allowed in certain areas with restrictions; photography is generally prohibited in the main reference room and for rare materials.
Research Access: Most of the collection is reserved for scholars and researchers, but the main reading room and selected displays are open to the public.

Collections and Cultural Significance

Melitensia and Rare Manuscripts

The Melitensia collection—books, pamphlets, newspapers, journals, and recordings related to Malta—is the largest of its kind, featuring treasures such as early Maltese newspapers, Gio. Francesco Abela’s Descrittione di Malta (1647), and Mikiel Anton Vassalli’s works (Paper in Motion).

Archives of the Order of St John

The library houses the complete archives of the Knights of St John, covering nearly 900 years of history. These documents chronicle the Order’s administration, finances, and diplomatic activities across the Mediterranean (HMML).

Municipal and Historical Records

Archives from the Università of Mdina and Valletta document local governance, privileges, and social history dating from the 15th to early 19th centuries.

Notable Artifacts

Papal Bull Pie Postulatio Voluntatis (1113): A foundational document for the Order of St John.
Egyptian Papyrus (Ptolemaic Period): The oldest item in the collection.
Early Maps, Newspapers, and Incunabula: Providing a window into Malta’s evolving identity.
Digitization Projects: Many materials are now accessible online, ensuring global reach and preservation (Paper in Motion).

Architectural Features

Exterior and Interior Design

The façade’s Corinthian columns, triangular pediment, and limestone construction reflect Enlightenment ideals and integrate harmoniously with Valletta’s cityscape. Inside, the grand marble staircase, double-height reading room, original wooden bookcases, and ornate plasterwork create an atmosphere of scholarly refinement (Heritage Malta; Visit Malta).

Preservation

Ongoing restoration projects ensure the conservation of the building’s historic fabric and collections, with climate control and security upgrades to safeguard its treasures (Superintendence of Cultural Heritage).

Practical Travel Tips

Getting There

Public Transport: Valletta’s main bus terminal is a short walk away, with buses covering the city and surrounding areas (My Path in the World).
Taxis/Ride-Sharing: Services like eCabs and Uber operate within Valletta—use designated taxi stands for convenience.
Walking: The library is located in a pedestrian-friendly area, making it easy to reach on foot from other sites.

Nearby Valletta Historical Sites

St. John’s Co-Cathedral: Famed for its baroque interiors and Caravaggio masterpieces.
Grand Master’s Palace: Historic seat of Maltese governance.
Upper Barracca Gardens: Offers panoramic views of the Grand Harbour.

Seasonal Advice

The best times to visit are spring, early summer, and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and crowds are manageable. Peak summer months (July and August) can be hot and busy (My Path in the World).

Visitor Experience and Recommendations

Who Should Visit

History Enthusiasts: Explore original documents from Malta’s rich past.
Researchers: Access extensive archives with prior arrangement.
Cultural Travelers: Enjoy the architectural beauty and scholarly ambiance.

Duration of Visit

General Visitors: 20–45 minutes to appreciate the main reading room and exhibits.
Researchers: Longer stays possible by appointment.

Visitor Feedback

Visitors consistently praise the library’s architecture, historic ambiance, and the evocative scent of old books. Some note limited public access and formal staff demeanor as minor drawbacks, but the experience is highly rewarding for those interested in Malta’s cultural heritage (Near Place).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the National Library of Malta visiting hours?
A: Monday to Friday: 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday: 8:15 AM – 1:00 PM; closed Sundays and public holidays.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No, admission is free for all visitors.

Q: Is the library accessible to visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, the main areas are accessible, but contact the library for specific needs.

Q: Can I take photographs inside?
A: Photography is allowed in select public areas; restrictions apply in the main reference room and for rare items.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Guided tours are not regular but may be arranged for special groups or events; check in advance.

Q: What attractions are nearby?
A: St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grand Master’s Palace, and Upper Barracca Gardens are all within walking distance.

Conclusion

The National Library of Malta is a vital custodian of the island’s written heritage and a captivating destination for anyone interested in history, culture, or architecture. Free to visit and ideally situated among Valletta’s historic landmarks, the library offers a unique blend of serene grandeur and scholarly intrigue. Enhance your experience by exploring nearby Valletta historical sites, and check the official website or local resources for current visiting hours and special exhibitions. For guided cultural tours and up-to-date travel tips, download the Audiala app and follow us on social media.

Visuals and Interactive Content

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Explore available virtual tours on Heritage Malta’s virtual platform.