Erbil’s largest public library has officially started renovations with support from South Korea’s organization. The library director confirmed that the renovation process will continue for three months.
Erbil’s public library, the biggest in the governorate, also oversees seven other branch libraries around the city. It sits inside Sami Abdulrahman Park and plays a key role in the city’s cultural life.
Naz Falaqadin Kakayi, director of the library, explained that the building had serious problems. The roof was leaking, many of the computers were outdated, and winter rain damaged several areas. After much effort, South Korea’s organization agreed to back the renovation, and a local company was contracted to carry out the work. The renovations began on July 1 and are planned to last for three months.
During this period, all books will be stored away and public visits will stop. Only the administrative section of the library will continue operating.
The director added that several upgrades will take place. The power system will switch to solar energy. A new elevator and air conditioning system will be installed. In addition, a new road will be built to improve visitor access since the library is located deep within the park.
This is not the first time the public library has undergone renovation. South Korea’s organization previously renovated it in 2017. Another partial renovation took place in 2022 when air conditioning units were replaced.
The library was established in 2005 on a 4,000-square-meter site and officially opened in 2008. The children’s section alone includes 1,600 books in different languages. In total, the library holds over 350,000 books, including a collection in Korean. It also features rare books and classic artwork from Erbil’s artists.
Last year, around 6,000 people visited the library, underlining its importance to education and cultural development in the region.