About the Libraries > Joseph G. Jabbra Library

The new Joseph G. Jabbra Library is a state-of-the-art facility providing a diverse set of services to support teaching, learning, and research. The old library closed on November 5, 2018 with the new library opening its doors for the first time on November 6, 2018.

The five-story building incorporates open-space study areas, group study rooms, multipurpose rooms, a meeting room, different lounges and seating arrangements, and many other unconventional amenities that offer an inspiring atmosphere conducive to learning.

Its designers researched the history, local culture and typology of the ancient city of Byblos and weaved the findings into the conceptual design. The pattern found on the exterior of the library is based on the ancient Phoenician alphabet which highlights Byblos’s most cultural heritage. The project aimed for USGBC’s LEED Gold certification, and features rain water harvesting and re-use. For more details visit the Facilities Management.

All of the library departments are dedicated not only to providing access to information, but also to assisting information seekers in developing successful strategies for finding and evaluating information for a full range of needs. Orientation, individual instruction, training sessions and research assistance are available to library users throughout the year.

Features of the new Joseph G. Jabbra Library include:

• Area: 6,540 square meters
• Capacity: 415 end-users
• 180,000 information records
• 186 print periodicals
• 11 Group Study Rooms each equipped with a LED TV
• Computer Lab
• 148 computers
• 19 printers
• 4 photocopiers/scanners
• 4 lounges