An Overview of the Country’s Main Centers for Knowledge, Research, and Written Heritage
Libraries are the guardians of nations’ intellectual and scientific heritage. In Iran, libraries not only play a crucial role in preserving knowledge and history but also establish a connection between tradition and science, culture and research. Below, we introduce the most important and largest libraries in the country, based on the volume of resources and cultural significance. This list is compiled based on official and up-to-date statistics (as of 1404 solar year/2025 CE) and includes links to the official websites of each collection:
National Library and Archives of the Islamic Republic of Iran – Tehran
Tehran, Hakim Highway
Official Website
The largest and most official library in the country, with over 2 million book volumes, national documents, periodicals, and digital resources. This collection serves as the national reference for librarianship and the official archive of the country, administered by the National Library and Archives Organization of Iran.
• Year Established: 1316 (New Building: 1383)
• Storage Capacity: Over 8 million items
• Features: Rare manuscripts, multilingual resources, national digital center
• Services: General membership, reading halls, national archive, and online access
Astan Quds Razavi Library – Mashhad
Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (AS), Mashhad
Official Website
The oldest active library in Iran, with a history of over 1,000 years. This center holds over 3 million resources, including manuscripts, lithographic prints, and books in Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and Latin.
• Year Established: 4th century Hijri
• Manuscripts: Over 100,000 volumes
• Features: Treasury of Quranic manuscripts and unparalleled Islamic works
• Services: Islamic research, digitization, specialized exhibitions
Islamic Consultative Assembly Library – Tehran
Baharestan Square, Parliament Building
Official Website
A specialized library focused on legal, historical, and political resources of the country. This center houses one of the richest archives of parliamentary documents and historical newspapers.
• Year Established: 1285 Solar Hijri
• Manuscripts: Over 30,000 volumes
• Features: Parliamentary documents and historical Iranian newspapers
• Services: Legal research, newspaper archive, digital library
Central Library of the University of Tehran
Revolution Street, Central Campus of the University of Tehran
Official Website
The main reference for university students and higher education researchers, with over 1 million book volumes and scientific resources. The library’s building, with modern design and 9 floors, is one of the largest university libraries in the Middle East.
• Year Established: 1328
• Features: Extensive collection of theses and scientific manuscripts
• Services: Information databases, reading halls, digital resources
Ayatollah Mar’ashi Najafi Library – Qom
Qom, Arm Street
Official Website
One of the most important specialized libraries in the field of Islamic texts and manuscripts. This collection preserves over 250,000 printed books and 40,000 manuscripts.
• Year Established: 1344 Solar Hijri
• Features: Islamic, philosophical, and historical works in over 30 languages
• Services: Manuscript digitization, research access, scientific exhibitions
Malek National Library and Museum (Malek Library and Museum) – Tehran
National Garden, Tehran
Official Website
One of the most prestigious libraries, with a collection of historical manuscripts and artworks donated by Hajj Hossein Agha Malek. This center operates alongside the Malek Museum and is one of Iran’s unparalleled treasures.
• Year Established: 1316 (Donated to Astan Quds Razavi)
• Features: Exquisite collection of Persian and Arabic manuscripts
• Services: Cultural exhibitions, research services, digital library
Central Library of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
Ferdowsi University Campus, Mashhad
Official Website
One of the largest university libraries in eastern Iran, focused on scientific, research, and thesis resources. This collection holds over 500,000 resources.
• Features: Archive of university research and scientific databases
• Services: Digital library, lending services, and online access
Jundi-Shapur Library – Tehran
End of Shahid Hemmat Highway
Official Website
A modern library with unique architectural design and advanced cultural facilities. This center, with over 70,000 book volumes and large reading halls, is one of the most visually striking libraries in the capital.
• Year Established: 1397 (Official Opening)
• Area: 3,300 square meters
• Features: Unique architectural space and cultural halls
• Services: Exhibitions, study services, and cultural programs
Specialized Library of the History of Islam and Iran – Qom
Qom, Moallem Street
Official Website
A specialized center for collecting historical and Islamic resources, affiliated with the Research Institute of Hawza and University.
• Year Established: 1374
• Features: Over 200,000 resources on the history of Iran and Islam
• Services: Reference services, specialized cataloging, digital manuscripts
Conclusion
Iran’s libraries are not merely book storage centers; they are symbols of cultural identity, scientific civilization, and the historical bond of the Iranian nation with knowledge and culture. From the National Library of Iran as the guardian of national memory to the Astan Quds Razavi Library with its thousand-year history, each is a treasure of thought, science, and faith. For visits or online access, use the links above.
Sources
• [0] National Library and Archives Organization of Iran: https://www.nlai.ir/
• [5] Islamic Consultative Assembly Library: https://ical.ir/
• [10] Central Library of the University of Tehran: https://library.ut.ac.ir/
• [15] Astan Quds Razavi Digital Library: https://digital.aqr.ir/
• [20] Malek National Library and Museum Institute: http://malekmuseum.org/
• [25] Central Library of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad: http://library.um.ac.ir/
• [30] Jundi-Shapur Library: https://lib.imcc.ir/
• [35] Ayatollah Mar’ashi Najafi Library: https://marashilibrary.com/
• [40] Specialized Library of the History of Islam and Iran: https://historylib.com/