The Public Library of Lefkada was founded in 1953 in order to preserve various relics that were scattered on the island. Headmaster Panos Rontogiannis, Metropolitan Dorotheos, Mayor Giannoulatos, Notary Taki Mamaloukas and many others collected old books, heirlooms, icons and sacred vessels from private collections, churches and monasteries which were destroyed by earthquakes and formed the basis of the municipal library.
The collection is currently housed in Zoulinos mansion in the city center; a beautiful neoclassical building and historical landmark of the 19th century. The mansion had previously housed the National Bank, the headquarters of the occupiers, the resistance organizations etc.
For many years the library also housed the findings of the archaeological excavations (which have now been transferred to the Archaeological Museum) and the Collection of Post-Byzantine Icons of Heptanesian Art (which opened to the public in 1966).
The library currently includes more than 55,000 books. Many visitors (Greeks and foreigners) visit it every summer, but also schools and scholars in the winter.
Open Hours
- Morning: Tuesday - Saturday, 08:30 - 13:30
- Afternoon: Tuesday & Thursday, 17:00 - 19:30 or 18:00 - 20:30 (April - September)
