Written by Stefano Di Pietrantonio (2025)

INtroduction

Bibliothèque Orientale (known as “BO”) is located at Saint Joseph University in Beirut and is an essential reference library for researchers specializing in Near Eastern studies, Christian Arabic and Islamic studies, religious history, as well as Arabic, Syriac, and Eastern manuscripts. In addition to manuscripts, the BO holds a rich collection of newspapers and magazines dating back to the early days of the Arab press in Beirut and Cairo in the second half of the 19th century, as well as 2,400 ancient maps and geographical plans of Lebanon and the region. With approximately 300,000 items, its photographic archives are unique in the Middle East. The BO also publishes the interdisciplinary journal, Mélanges de l’Université Saint-Joseph, which focuses on archaeology, history, epigraphy, and philology of the Near and Middle East. The Library is open to researchers, advanced students, and the general public.

The BO is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm in September-June, and Monday through Friday from 8am to 1:30 pm in July-August. It is closed the second and third weeks of August.

Location: Google Maps

GOING THERE

To go to the BO, grab a taxi/service and tell the driver to drop you off at one of the surrounding streets such as Monot Street, Bishara al-Khoury, or Tariq al-Sham (i.e. Damascus Road) since they will most likely not know the BO.

But you can also take a bus or van. Number 4 (connecting Dahyé to Hamra) will drop you off right in front of the Université Saint Joseph Street on Damascus Road, before reaching the bridge leading to Downtown. Other bus/van lines, such as number 2 and the van without number — which roughly goes to the airport (Tariq el-Matar)— stop at Sodeco or Bishara al-Khoury, both at walking distance from the Library. Don’t forget to check whether these bus/van lines are operating beforehand.

You may also grab an Uber or Bolt (if they are operating). In that case, tell the driver that you’re going to Saint Joseph Church which is located right next to the BO.

GETTING IN

You should schedule an appointment or contact the Library in advance via email to ensure the availability of the desired materials.

Don’t forget to bring an ID card or a proof of institutional affiliation which are required for initial access.

Then head up to the 3rd floor to access the Reading Room.

Finding your material

The BO catalog is accessible online on their website. Printed catalogs for manuscripts and rare collections are available on-site. You can also download the manuscript catalogs in advance through the BO website.

Of particular interest is the collection of Arabic, Syriac, Coptic, and Ethiopian manuscripts (approximately 3,500 manuscripts), the exceptional collection of rare and modern printed materials (primarily from the 19th-20th centuries), and an large collection of historical archives, periodicals, historical photographs, maps, and plans.

Note that rare and manuscript collections typically require requests in advance.

Ordering your material

Once you have located your material in the catalog, approach a librarian who will fetch it for you. Library staff are exceptionally helpful and always ready to assist researchers.

Ordering scans

The BO provides digital reproduction services upon request. Place your request by emailing reprographie.bo@usj.edu.lb.

Fees are moderate and they vary based on the quantity and type of documents requested.

Food and well-being

There is no cafeteria inside the BO. There is one on the “Campus des Sciences Humaines” across the big parking lot, but it is only open to USJ staff and students.

There are several cafés and furn-s selling local snacks and pastries like mana'ish, as well as other restaurants in the area. Some good options are Picasso and Little China restaurant on Université Saint Joseph Street, Bistrot Germanos on Huvelin Street, and the falafel stores on Damascus Road. You can venture further into Bishara al-Khoury Street or Sodeco Square for more options.