In Athens this month the transfer of the Greek national book collection is underway.
The collection dates back to the 1820s but it was only as that century drew to a close that the collection moved to its current home, the beautiful neo-classical marble building in Phaleron Bay.
The old and cramped Greek National Library. Image via Wikipedia CC.
Work on the new home at the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Centre started in 2012 and this month the first of hundreds of thousands of books are being relocated, more modern tomes finding a place in the book tower, while older and more treasured tomes will be located in the vaults.
The new Greek National Library. Image via The Greek Observer.
According to the Greek Reporter,
The transfer began three weeks ago, with daily journeys by trucks safely delivering their precious cargo under controlled climate conditions, accompanied by library staff.
The new building, designed by architect Renzo Piano, is jointly funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and the Greek government, and is expected to be open to the public in April.
Find out more about the new library at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre website.
