All items of the Historical Library are available for on-site reading at our premises on 2nd Merarchias Street, Piraeus. The use of our library is free for everyone, including both researchers and the general public.
The only requirement for accessing the materials is submitting an electronic application with the reader’s information as well as the desired items. The materials are not for loan and the stacks are closed. All catalogued collections are available in our online catalogue.
All visits are by appointment and reading materials must be requested in advance. For the best service to the user, the application should be submitted at least two workdays before the visit to our premises. As soon as the items are available, the user is notified and can study them in the Historical Library Reading Room. When entering the premises identification must be provided. In special cases, a library employee will supervise visitors. For certain items the use of protective aids (gloves, special supports for books) may be required.
The number of items available for study per visit may be limited depending on the age and condition of the items.
If the condition of the material allows it, copies can be acquired, exclusively for personal research purposes. The user can photograph the item for free, or the library can provide a copy for a fee (€0.20 per page for digital copies and 0.25 € per page for printed copies).
We remind you that copies of works which are still protected by copyright are not provided.
Free Wi-Fi connection is available to all library users.
Consumption of food and beverages is prohibited in the library premises.
Monday – Friday 10:00 – 16:00
Small modifications to the opening hours are possible, depending on the use of library spaces for educational programmes, as well as various events and conferences.
Due to the special nature of old and rare materials, readers can study them under supervision and with the use of with the use of the protective measures indicated when necessary (, gloves, etc.). Researchers are allowed to bring with them: a laptop/tablet, a notebook and a pencil (not ink pens).
The above is applicable to the following collections: