Public Library of Corfu - Kerkyra, Corfu, Greece
Posted by: 
fi67
N 39° 37.398 E 019° 55.635
34S E 407928 N 4386498
The oldest public library of Greece is hosted in the former British baracks in the Old Fortress of Kerkyra.
Waymark Code: WMFKKN
Location: Greece
Date Posted: 10/31/2012
Views: 10
The public library of Corfu was founded in the 18th century and is the oldest public library in Greece. The first books were donated by Jacob Francis Xaverio Canal, deputy Archbishop of Corfu, after his death in 1758 his personal library and a large amount of money dedicated to the purchase of new books was handed over to the library.
In the Venetian era the library reached 4,000 volumes, but more than half of them were destroyed during the French occupation, because they were seen as a danger to the French Revolution.
In the 19th century the library became part of the Ionian Academy, modern Greece's first university, the number of volumes was over 7,000, some of the very rare manuscripts and rich collections of Latin literature.
In September 1943 the library was completely destroyed by German bombs. After the war the library was reconstructed. Today it is housed in the southern British barracks inside the Old Fortress, it is managed by the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, Culture and Sports. The outside looks a bit shabby, but it is well maintained in the interior. The collection has grown to 75,000 volumes. The library also contains reading rooms for rare books.
Classification of Library: Public Library (Open to all)
Internet access available: Unknown - Could not verify
Hours of Operation:
Mon: 08:30-19:00
Tue: 08:30-14:30
Wed: 08:30-19:00
Thu - Fri: 08:30-14:30
Approximate date of opening.: 01/01/1750
Library Website: [Web Link]
Additional Internet Connection Options: Not listed
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