Visitors ride an escalator past a towering wall of books inside the newly opened Ayman Library branch in Basra, showcasing thousands of titles arranged across multiple floors — Photo by 964media
Basra opens what is billed as Iraq’s tallest library housing 27,000 books
BASRA — A new branch of Ayman Library has opened in the Akwat area of Shatt al-Arab district in Basra, offering more than 27,000 books across 10,000 titles in a space its owner describes as the largest library in Iraq by size and content.
The branch spans 3,000 square meters and stands 11 meters tall, which Ayman Hafez, the library’s owner, said also makes it the tallest library structure in the country. It includes a workspace, ground floor, games section and library section. “There are no competitors at this level of libraries, and this adds to the city culturally and in terms of development,” Hafez told 964media. “This landmark is for all the people of Basra, and we want to take pride in our city and make it first in everything.”
The Shatt al-Arab location is the third Ayman Library branch in Basra, following earlier openings on Wufoud Street and Baho Street. Hafez said plans are underway to open a branch in every governorate.
Visitor Israa Aqeel said the branch was “excellent, distinctive and advanced, suitable for all ages,” with educational and cultural features for children standing out. Another visitor, Mustafa Assad, said he came after hearing about the opening on social media, describing it as “a beautiful library and a landmark for Basra.”