Egypt opens heritage library at Grand Egyptian Museum

Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy on Monday inaugurated a new heritage library at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), reported Xinhua.

The library houses around 17,000 books and references covering Egyptology, archaeology, museums, mythology, architecture, history and cultural heritage.

Speaking at the inauguration, Fathy said the library would strengthen the museum's scientific and cultural mission and support its development into a regional and international hub for research and knowledge.

Ahmed Ghoneim, chief executive officer of the GEM, described the library's opening as "an important milestone" in the museum's pursuit of becoming one of the world's foremost cultural and scientific institutions.

"The vision of the Grand Egyptian Museum has never been limited to preserving and displaying the treasures of Ancient Egypt. It is also a place where heritage, science, education and innovation come together," Ghoneim said.

The library's collection includes rare publications transferred from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo's Tahrir Square. Among its highlights is an Italian publication dating back to 1656 that traces the origins and early development of museums.