Libraries in Lebanon

Recommended Library: AUB Library
Recommended Bookstore: Maliks Bookstore

There aren't lots of libraries in Lebanon which is too bad and all the books (especially at Antoine) are overpriced.
So buy from ebay or amazon

Here is a list of 25 public libraries coordinated by an NGO called ASSABIL.

The difference between bookstores and public libraries is important to highlight. A bookstore is about selling books, you can go there to find new releases or popular titles. As you mentioned, Antoine and Virgin are considered bookstores. There's also Malik's, I think, but I know nothing about it.

A library is about archiving knowledge. You go there when you want to do research, look up public records, etc. It's very important for us to have public libraries.

saeidw wroteHere is a list of 25 public libraries coordinated by an NGO called ASSABIL.

The difference between bookstores and public libraries is important to highlight. A bookstore is about selling books, you can go there to find new releases or popular titles. As you mentioned, Antoine and Virgin are considered bookstores. There's also Malik's, I think, but I know nothing about it.

A library is about archiving knowledge. You go there when you want to do research, look up public records, etc. It's very important for us to have public libraries.

Thanks for the info!
They should probably put what titles they have there or at least the genre of books they archive.
The AUB engineering library has a lot of good books. They also import some magazines.

There is also Sayeed Mohammad Husein Fadlallah's public Library in Haret Hurek i have never been there but my friends told me about it.

@samer: Dont they need an ID card to enter the AUB Library?

Here's a page detailing how to get access to AUB library facilities. It looks like for regular visitors, you need a referral letter from a faculty member, as well as a fee of LL75,000 for a library card.

I don't know if there are any other policies for people who just want to expand their knowledge (there should be) so you might want to contact them at the addresses listed on that page to find out more. If you do, post about it here and let us know what you find out.

This rating goes as to access granted and nature of material:

Best technical libraries (books - hard copy):
1) AUB library (access granted: all upon presentation of library card)
2) UOB library (i.e. Balamand): (access granted: current students and faculty only)

Best technical library (periodicals - hard copy):
1) AUB library (access granted: all upon presentation of library card)
2) UOB library (access granted: current students and faculty only)

Best technical library (periodicals and transactions - soft copy / database):
1) IEEE Xplore / IEL Digital Libraries (if anyone wants anything from the library, as UOB alumni student I have access to every paper issued there, so just PM the title) <==== Especially important for engineering graduate and undergraduate students
2) AUB library (I remember asking about the link during my thesis writing days, here it goes: http://olib.aub.edu.lb/cgi-bin/jl_w207.sh)
3) UOB library (that is everything excluding IEEE Xplore / IEL)

Best technical library (ebooks): According to forums ethics, I'm not allowed to say ;)

Actually, once you're inside AUB, you can go into the library and start reading books without showing any form of ID. The ID is needed if you want to borrow a book.

You guys forgot LAU (Lebanese American University) Library. I've studied there and worked in the Library for 5 years. Between the Library in Byblos campus and Beirut campus, they got quite the archive, not to mention they always request new stuff. I remember it was 50,000 L.L if you wanted to be granted access to the LAU library if you weren't enrolled there, but that was like 4 years ago, not sure of it now.