As the Malta Book Festival unfolds this week, it's the perfect time to celebrate and appreciate Malta’s cultural gems. One such gem, as beautifully highlighted by the Department of Information’s Facebook page, is the National Library of Malta, a repository of knowledge and history that has been meticulously preserved for generations.

These stunning photographs, captured by photographer, Jason Borg allow us to glimpse the library's grandeur.

Officially inaugurated on the 4th of June 1812, by Sir Hildebrand Oakes, the British Civil Commissioner to Malta, the National Library of Malta continues to be a beacon of knowledge and culture, inviting all to explore its historical treasures and embark on a journey through time.

With a history dating back to the last years of the Order of St. John, the library was conceived as a public institution. The magnificent structure that houses this invaluable collection was designed by the Polish-born architect Stefano Ittar, a reminder of the international influences shaping Malta's history.

The National Library of Malta is a symbol of the nation's rich heritage, a treasure trove of memories that spans centuries from the medieval era to the digital age. Its significance in preserving the cultural legacy of the Maltese people is immeasurable.

Have you ever visited the National Library of Malta?