Library of the Republic
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The Library of the Republic, also known as the Library of Cartadania, is the eminent research library that fulfills the role of being the official library for the Cartadanian National Congress and the de facto national library of Cartadania as a whole. Situated in Alahuela, it holds the distinction of being the oldest federal cultural institution in the nation, its foundations laid in 1717, with the responsible oversight entrusted to the Librarian of the Republic. Well-known for its vastness and scope, the Library of the Republic stands among the most expansive libraries on a global scale, safeguarding a collection estimated to comprise 200 million diverse items, hailing from a multitude of countries. As a legal deposit library, it holds the privileged position of receiving copies of all published works originating within the borders of Cartadania, encompassing a substantial share of internationally disseminated titles embraced by the nation, as well as a significant proportion of overseas titles distributed in Cartadania.
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 Main hall in the Library's rotunda | |
| Established | 11 August 1717 (307 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Location | Giulia, Alahuela, Cartadania |
| Collection | |
| Size | 193 million items |
| Access and use | |
| Circulation | Onsite use only |
| Population served | Congress, citizens, and international visitors |
| Other information | |
| Budget | $912.605 million |
| Director | Onorato Merodio |
| Staff | 5,281 |
| Website | biblioteca.gov.ca |
Its items are available in many languages and formats, both print and digital. From literary works, manuscripts, scholarly journals, newspapers, magazines, to audio and music recordings, videos, play-scripts, patents, comprehensive databases, maps, stamps, prints, and drawings—the library's collections well encapsulate the breadth and depth of human creativity and intellectual exploration. A testament to its dedication to preserving the past, the Library of the Republic harbors a wealth of invaluable items, including a substantial array of approximately 18 million books, accompanied by significant holdings of manuscripts and artifacts that trace their origins back to the Adonerii era and beyond. In a continued commitment to enrich its archives, the library upholds an active content acquisition program, welcoming the addition of around five million new items each passing year, leading to the establishment of an ever-expanding collection that now spans an impressive addition of 15.1 kilometers (9.4 mi) of shelf space.