National Library of Myanmar NLM

Overview

The National Library of Myanmar (NLM), located in Yankin Township, Yangon, is Myanmar's principal national library and one of only two research libraries in Yangon. It serves as the country's primary repository for national publications, ancient manuscripts, and cultural heritage materials. A separate branch of the National Library operates in the capital city of Nay Pyi Taw.

History and Founding

The National Library was established in 1952, the same year as the Central Statistical Organization. It has undergone several relocations and expansions over its history. In 2006, the military government transferred a significant portion of its collection to a new National Library in Nay Pyi Taw. In October 2008, the Yangon branch was moved to its current location in Yankin Township. A heritage building in downtown Yangon was subsequently renovated for library use and opened in 2020.

Collections and Holdings

The Yangon branch currently holds more than 220,000 books organized in ten sections. Before the 2006 relocation, the library held approximately 618,000 books, periodicals, and 15,800 manuscripts. Its current collection of ancient Burmese texts includes 16,066 palm-leaf manuscripts, 1,972 parabaik (folded writing tablets), and 345 handwritten scripts of famous writers. The library maintains collections of pre-1948 rare materials, government publications, UN publications, ASEAN materials, and foreign language books. It is a legal depository under Myanmar's Printing and Publishing Enterprise Law, receiving copies of all registered printed materials.

Notable Materials and Journalism Relevance

The library's reference room on the second floor holds a year's worth of current newspapers, journals, and magazines, as well as periodicals and books in Myanmar language and English. The Yangon reading room provides access to digital periodicals, archaeological reports, and Buddhist literature through its OPAC system. The library hosts the Research4Life program, giving researchers access to international scientific databases.

Access and Digital Services

The library's Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) is available at catalogue.nlm.gov.mm. The digital library offers over 30,000 eBooks and links to Asian Literature, Rare Books on Asian Literature, and Children's Literature collections. Membership allows borrowing from the circulating collection.