Public Central Historical Library of Samos

The Public Central Historical Library of Samos is housed in an impressive neoclassical building on the Vathy waterfront, known as the mansion of the wealthy timber merchant Miltiadis Georgiou (1893–1895), which was bequeathed by will for the creation of a library. Its initial core was formed in the mid‑19th century through private donations and books intended for the Pythagoreio Gymnasium, where it was housed from 1895 before acquiring its own premises. In 1881 it was recognized as an independent public library and gradually grew into one of the island’s most important intellectual institutions. Today it holds more than 30,000 items, including old and rare books from the 16th century, manuscripts, Samian collections, newspapers, and periodicals. Of special importance is its mobile library, which—with a bookmobile—reaches schools and remote communities, while its infrastructure includes a modern Information Center and special equipment for people with disabilities. As a “work of art” and a historic monument of culture, the Samos Library continues to be a living beacon of knowledge and education for the island and its inhabitants.