Lefkas Library and Post-Byzantine Collection.

 

Have you ever thought of visiting a library as a tourist destination? Well I would highly recommend visiting the library in Lefkas Town. 

How to get there: Address: Rontogianni 11 Lefkada 31100

Walk along the main pedestrianised street from the main town square. Approximately half way down you will see brown signs on your right side. Follow this street finding the back of the library on your right. Walk around to the main gate.

Opening times: Library Tuesday 11.00 - 19.00, Wednesday - Saturday 08.30 - 13.30

                          Post-Byzantine Collection Tuesday - Saturday 11.00 - 13.00

The Public Library and the Post-Byzantine Museum are housed in one of the most important neo-Classical buildings of Lefkas. The building is stunning and dates back to 1890, originally belonging to the wealthy Zoulinos family of lawyers for 20 years who then left Greece. 

During WW2 German commanders occupied the building. It was later sold, and for a long time housed the National Bank of Greece. It was also said to be used as a prison.

On entering the large heavy front door you will see a traditional tiled floor. The beautiful wooden interior still has its remaining sectioned off offices and counters from the period of it being a bank. 

The showcase immediately in front shows maps and information of the first Lefkas settlement.

Unfortunately there is no photography allowed in the library/museum so my interior photos end here. 

The Public Library of Lefkada was founded in 1953 by a historian, lawyer and other important people with a view to preserving old books and relics found on the island. This year celebrates 70 years since opening as a public library.

Today, the number of old and modern books counts over 60,000. The book collection is located on the ground floor. There is a small international section of books (including English, French and German) but if anyone has any good quality classic books that they would like to donate I am sure the Library Director Maria Rosso would be glad to receive them. 

Anyone can join the library; simply take ID/passport, request and complete an application form. 

The Post-Byzantine Collection which dates back to the 16th Century, is situated on the first floor and accessible by a flight of stairs which also has a stair lift.

An entrance fee of 2€ per person is payable downstairs. 

Although there is not currently an official library guide, we met Stamatia who also speaks good English and passionately explained the history of the items in the Post-Byzantine Collection. 

I wasn't quite prepared for the amount of information I received and to say I was overwhelmed was un understatement. 

What you will see -

• There is a large collection of of icons painted by iconographers from the Ionian Islands such as Doxaras, Roussos, Tzes, Gazis, Ventouras and others. A catalogue of these icons is currently being made. These include St John the Baptist, St Gerasimos, and the Virgin Mary. They have all been retrieved from churches and monasteries throughout Lefkas that were in ruins or no longer exist (eg Demetrios) or from private collections. What I found fascinating was on each icon painting there are little black marks which were left to show the colour of the painting when found, before it was delicately restored. The most colourful icons are from the Venetian influence. 'Eptanesian' (seven Ionian islands) icons were painted on wood panels using the encaustic technique: coloured pigments were mixed with wax and burned into the wood as an inlay.

• I loved a display of old ornate silver bound books dating back to 1681. A bee stamp inlayed on each cover. 
• An old glass fronted armoire was said to have been rescued from the old library fire; taken into a home. It has now been returned to its rightful place. 
• There are stunning hand embroidered Apostles sacred vestments that Catherine the Great gave to Bishop Arakliotis in 1769. 
• There are a set of breathtakingly ornate Sanctuary doors.
• There is a display of Russian Orthodox icons.
• A collection of religious books and other artifacts of Orthodoxy. 

On the stairs there are several portraits of lawyers, writers, doctors, and of the Stavros family. Paintings and maps were donated by this wealthy family who had acquired them in previous years. 

The Bishop of Lefkada from the Metropolis Cathedral Lefkada gave permission to show the exhibits.

Many cultural events and publications are held here too, often in the grounds.

Telephone: 2645 022 502

E-mail: vivllfk@sch.gr

https:/www.lefkaslibrary.gr