There are usually some old books and scrolls on the history of Africa in libraries. Libraries—particularly those in Africa—hold the majority of the earliest archives, books, and educational resources.

The top 10 largest libraries in Africa, all of which draw inspiration from the continent’s rich cultural legacy and historical backdrop, were thoroughly examined at EduVision, an online newspaper with a focus on education and history:

1. The Royal Library of Alexandria

The Royal Library of Alexandria, also known as the New Bibliotheca Alexandrina, is a library that can be found in Egypt. The Ancient Library is the biggest in Africa and among the most contemporary in the entire globe.

The library serves as a repository and access point for ancient and modern scrolls and books on world history, particularly that of Egypt and Israel. It also contains records of the Egyptian governmental structure, including information about the pharaohs, the Israelites, and the architectural designs of the pyramids, which are unique to Egypt as a nation and as original works of art.

2. National Library of South Africa

The National Library of South Africa is located in South Africa, as its name would imply. It serves as a global information hub that extends beyond Africa.

The library, the second-largest in Africa, serves as a crucial resource and preserves the nation’s historical records. The National Library of South Africa’s digital and physical manuscripts, reports, maps, and international and domestic publications are accessible to everyone.

3. Six October University Library

It is the best academic and popular library in Egypt and the third-largest library in Africa. To support academic research and the university’s broad curriculum, it serves as an interface between culture and learning.

It houses a substantial collection of national and international print and electronic databases. The university and the general public can use the ‘Six October University Library’, which has many uses. Along with magazines and maps, it also has children’s books and games.


4. Kenyatta University Post-Modern Library

The Kenyatta University Post Modern Library (PML) is the biggest university in East and Central Africa, ranking fourth on the continent. The main campus of Kenyatta University is situated in Kenya along the Thika Superhighway.

Prof. Olive Mugenda, a former KU vice chancellor, led the construction and opening of the historic library with distinction. She currently serves as the director and chief executive officer of Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital, an anticipated world-class facility in East, West, North, and Central Africa for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.

Students, alumni, and other members of the public with registered membership cards are all welcome to use the Kenyatta University PML for free. The five-story structure includes roomy lounging areas and cozy study areas. There are also quiet conversation areas for groups on the ground floor and fourth floor of the building. The fifth floor only offers a computer lab for electronic study; there are no group discussion rooms there.

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The underground level is only for individuals who prefer to study aloud because it is soundproof and won’t disturb other readers on the top floors. The library is stocked with printed and digital instructions, manuscripts, books, scrolls, magazines, and newspapers that may all be accessed through online catalogs. It is also made to accommodate those who are physically challenged, some of whom are students at renowned universities.

5. Balme Library

Balme Library is the biggest library in West Africa and ranks fifth in all of Africa. It is the primary library for the university and is situated at the University of Accra in Accra. It bears the name of David Mowbray Balme, the university’s first president.

One of the nation’s oldest libraries, it serves as a landmark in Accra. With more than 100,000 volumes of microfilms, tapes, and CDs, it has a colonial appearance and recently underwent an interior renovation to keep up with rising demand. It is accessible to the general public as well as students, staff, and those with physical disabilities.


6. Covenant University Library

The Covenant University Library, also called the Center for Learning Resources, is the second-largest library in West Africa and ranks sixth in all of Africa. It is a three-story structure in Nigeria that has glass-fitted windows and entrances.

At Covenant University, it is centrally located. The Covenant Library is only for the benefit of university students and is not accessible to the general public like other libraries.


7. Port Elizabeth Main Library

The Port Elizabeth Main Library is the only library that was constructed with the public in mind and still fulfills that function. It is the second-largest library in South Africa. It was constructed in 1902 during the colonial era with a complicated and ornate facade.

It is situated in Mandela Bay’s Market Square, which is guarded by a statue of Queen Victoria, at the area’s northwest corner. Plans to demolish it and build a provincial administration block were never realized because it was later transformed into a public historical monument.

8. Nnamdi Azikiwe Library

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka campus, is home to the eighth-largest library in Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe, who established the University of Nigeria in 1955, is honored by having his name attached to the library.

As the first privately funded local institution in the nation, the institution was formally inaugurated in 1960. At present, it is one of Nigeria’s top five universities. There were only 12,000 books in the library when it first opened, but there are currently over 700,000. The library catalog provides quick access to books in both electronic and print formats.


9. MISR University for Science and Technology

The MISR University for Science and Technology Library, located in Egypt, is a top-notch library with cutting-edge architectural features. Both printed and electronic books of various genres are available there.

The volumes in the collection cover a variety of topics, including commerce, archaeology, computer technology, medical and biological sciences, languages, and mass communication. Additionally, it provides training for students majoring in library science and information technology.


10. Marais Library

It is the tenth-largest library in Africa and was constructed between 1900 and 1901. It was named after its generous donor, CL Marais. It was the first library ever constructed on the multi-library campus and is situated in South Africa at Stellenbosch University.

It has a distinctive architectural design thanks to the Neo-renaissance and Neo-Classical styles. The Marais Library underwent a spectacular extension after being designated a national monument in 1982 to handle the expanding university’s resources.