Discover the 7 oldest libraries in the world.

Not only do they preserve the treasure trove of human knowledge, the following 7 oldest libraries in the world are also unique and magnificent architectural and artistic masterpieces for book lovers to explore.

Tianyi Pavilion : Founded in 1561 during the Ming Dynasty in Zhejiang, China, Tianyi Pavilion covers an area of ​​26,000 square meters. It was established by Fan Qin, a court official passionate about rare and valuable ancient books. He amassed over 70,000 volumes of various ancient books, ranging from local chronicles and political texts to court inspection records and collections of poems and essays. Initially, Fan Qin's library was named Dongming Caotang. After resigning from his position and returning home, his book collection grew even larger, leading Fan Qin to build a new library and name it Tangshu Pavilion. (Image: Unwtonews)

The Tianyi Pavilion was robbed twice. The first time was by the British during the First Opium War in 1831, and the second time was by a notorious book thief, Xue Jiwei, in 1914, who stole nearly 1,000 books. Fan Qin's descendants continued his legacy, caring for his library. They even disowned family members who sold any of the library's books. Currently, the Tianyi Pavilion houses over 300,000 ancient books, including about 80,000 rare books on local geography and the imperial examination system of the feudal era. (Image: Sinology)

The Malatestiana Library : Also known as the Malatesta Novello Library, this is the oldest public library in Europe. Located in the city of Cesena, northern Italy, the Malatestiana Library was founded in 1452. It was also the first public library in Europe to be run by the people rather than owned by any temple or noble family. Furthermore, it is the oldest continuously operating public library in the world . Photo: AtlasObscura.

The Malatestiana Library is an architectural marvel, a prime example of the early Italian Renaissance with its 44 Venetian-style windows, and an ideal place for reading. The library houses over 400,000 books, including 343 original antique sets still chained to their original reading chairs, where they have been for the past five centuries. Photo: Galinfo.

Hereford Cathedral Library : Founded in 1611, Hereford Cathedral Library in England is the only remaining library with all its chains, bars, and locks still intact. The library primarily houses old manuscripts, some with ancient handwriting and beautiful gold and color illustrations. Most of the books in Hereford Cathedral Library date back to the 12th century. Photo: LoveReadingUK.

During the English Civil War, Hereford Cathedral Library was fortunate to remain unharmed despite the extensive damage the war inflicted across the country. Instead, the library received a boost of books from a Jesuit university in 1678, adding to its already scarce collection. In addition to manuscripts, it houses the Hereford Mappa Mundi, the world's largest medieval map. (Photo: Mainlymuseum)

Saint Catherine's Monastery : Founded in 565, Saint Catherine's Monastery on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula is the oldest and longest-operating library and monastery in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the monastery was built around the site believed to be the burning bush where the prophet Moses saw God. Its greatest value lies in its collection of handwritten biblical manuscripts, second only to the Vatican Library in Rome. Photo: Britannica.

Khizanat al Qarawiyyin Library: Located in Fez, Morocco, Khizanat al Qarawiyyin was founded in 859 and is the oldest continuously operating university. The library was established by a Muslim woman named Fatima al-Fihri. Her diploma is still proudly displayed on the library's wall today. The library's legacy of female leadership continues with Aziza Chaouni, the architect who oversaw the 2012 restoration project. Photo: CNtraveler.

Saraswathi Mahal Library : Founded in the 16th century, the Saraswathi Mahal Library in Thanjavur, India, is one of Asia's oldest continuously operating libraries. Originally a royal library established by the Nayak kings of Thanjavur, it was opened to the public in 1918. The library also houses one of the world's rarest collections of palm-leaf manuscripts written in Tamil. Photo: Herzindagi.

Trinity University Library : Last but certainly not least, Trinity University Library was founded in Dublin, Ireland, in 1592, the same year the university was established. The library itself is a stunning sight, with the Long Room housing 200,000 of the library's oldest books in oak bookshelves. It is home to the Book of Kells, one of the world's most famous and beautifully illustrated manuscripts. Photo: YellowKorner.

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