Written by Athina Pfeiffer and Mathias Ghyoot (2024)

INtroduction

The Khaldounia Library is an old, but small public library in Tunis. Dating to the nineteenth century, its collection is primarily based on donations from notables and scholars in and around Tunis. While most of the collection - notably, manuscripts - have been moved to the Tunisian National Library, the Khaldounia Library still holds a notable collection of rare books and periodicals related, but not restricted to, the modern history of North Africa.

Location: Google Maps

GOING THERE

Grab a taxi or a Bolt to the Kasbah Sqaure. From there, head into the Medina and walk in the direction of the Zaytuna Mosque. The Khaldounia Library is located nearby at the end of a dead-end alleyway and is open Sunday through Thursday from 8am to 2pm.

GETTING IN

If the main door is not open, knock on it and a guard will show you into the Khaldounia Library. You can bring anything into the library, even your bag. It’s a small library and only consists of the Main Reading Room. Head through the lobby and into the reading room. Then turn right to enter the librarian’s office to announce your arrival. There’s no need to show your passport or student ID.

Finding your material

The collection of the Khaldounia Library is small, but rich, and only consists of the bookcases which line the Main Reading Room. You can look up your material on the website of the Tunisian National Library. Call numbers beginning with the letters “A-K” indicates that the material is held physically at the Khaldounia Library.

Ordering your material

Once you’ve noted your call number, inform the librarian who will then fetch the material from the stacks in the Main Reading Room. This is also where you’ll be allowed to peruse the material. There are several small tables and a couple of free-to-access computers as well as WIFI.

Ordering scans

While the Main Reading Room is plastered with posters proclaiming that photography is forbidden, these warnings are solely directed to tourists who wish to photograph the Khaldounia Library. Contrary to the restrictive rules at the Tunisian National Library, you’re allowed to use your phone/camera without limit in the Main Reading Room. There is no scanner.

Food and well-being

There is a small, but decent bathroom adjacent to the Main Reading Room. Food options are plenty in the Medina. We recommend that you grab lunch at the nearby restaurant Fondouk El Attarine.