ACHILLEIOS MUNICIPAL LIBRARY
General Rules
Part I - General
1. Purpose and Objectives
The Achilleios Municipal Library belongs to the Nicosia Municipality, which is also responsible for the library’s overall operation.
The funds that were required for the initial acquisition of the property were donated by Mr Konstantinos Pikkis during the mayorship of Mr Lellos Demetriades. Later, when Mr Constantinos Yiorkadjis took office as Mayor of Nicosia, the facilities were fully renovated under the guidance and in consultation with the University of Cyprus.
The purpose of the Achilleios Municipal Library is to create and run a modern facility that nurtures a desire for learning as well as a constructive pastime for all citizens of all ages. At the same time, it serves as an ideal place for individual or group study for schoolchildren and university students living or studying in Nicosia.
The main goals of the Achilleios Municipal Library are as follows:
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To maintain an archive of printed as well as digital material related to the history, folk heritage, architecture and art of Nicosia;
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To maintain the Nicosia Municipality’s archive of printed and digital images;
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To maintain a collection of books covering general as well as specialized interests;
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To provide public and private reading rooms;
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To provide a suitable environment for individual and group project work;
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To provide suitable areas for events and lectures;
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To run a children’s library;
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To ensure that all the Library’s areas are accessible to people with limited mobility;
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To promote culture, arts and letters through organized exhibitions, lectures, workshops, seminars and other events.
The following steps and measures enable us to achieve the above goals:
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Continuous enrichment of the library through both the acquisition of printed and digital materials, as well as donations;
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Installation of the latest audiovisual equipment;
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Employment of the necessary specialized staff;
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Cooperation with other organized bodies and stakeholders in our city;
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Cooperation with higher education institutions based in Nicosia;
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Cooperation with other libraries;
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Ongoing training and development of the library staff;
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Archiving of materials in accordance with international standards.
2. Inventory of the Achilleios Municipal Library
The Achilleios Municipal Library holds the following:
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Printed materials
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Digital materials
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The printed photographic archives of the Nicosia Municipality
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Digital photographic archives of the Nicosia Municipality
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Audiovisual equipment (75” screen, 65” interactive screen, speakers, computers)
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Indoor and outdoor furniture
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Children’s library materials (books and educational toys)
3. Care and Maintenance of the Library and its Inventory
Every effort is made to maintain the building and all its electromechanical installations in the best possible condition, while furniture and printed documents will be maintained and/or replaced as necessary to maintain high library standards.
4. Installations – Equipment
The installations and equipment of the Achilleios Municipal Library consist of the following:
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The broader area of the neoclassical building and its yard, the full renovation of which was completed in 2024;
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Access controlled library stacks and reading / study areas;
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Two private reading / study areas;
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Children’s library
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Nicosia Municipality photo archive hall;
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Garden with outdoor furniture;
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Elevator on all levels for people with limited mobility;
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Lecture hall with a capacity of 50 people;
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Sanitary facilities;
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Central ventilation / air-conditioning system;
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Air-conditioning units in all areas;
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Security and fire detection systems;
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Two computers for the public’s use;
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Wi-fi network and power sockets at reading and study tables.
Part II – Operation of the Library
5. Use of the Library
The Achilleios Municipal Library is open to the public. Everyone is welcome to visit the reading and study rooms with no membership requirements to date. To have access to the private reading and study rooms and lecture halls, reservations must be made in advance, either by telephone or email.
6. General Rules
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To enter the Library premises all visitors must present their identity card or other official identification document.
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All library materials can only be used on the premises and cannot be taken out.
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Books may only be taken off the shelves after requesting permission from the Library staff and following their instructions.
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The use of audiovisual or other equipment is only permitted after informing the Library staff and following their instructions.
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Access to the Municipality’s Photographic Archive Hall is controlled and must be requested from the Library staff in advance.
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Visitors must comply with all intellectual property laws with regard to the reproduction of any printed or digital materials.
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Library books may not be taken out of the Library and into the yard.
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Smoking as well as the consumption of food is strictly forbidden in all the Library’s indoor areas.
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The consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly forbidden in all the indoor and outdoor areas of the Library.
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All Library visitors are expected to speak in a quiet voice and keep noise levels to the absolute minimum.
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Library visitors are expected to follow all the Library staff’s instructions and guidance, and to refrain from any disruptive actions.
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Visitors must allow Library supervisors to check their personal handbags if there is any suspicion of theft. In such cases, the inspection will be conducted in the presence of the visitor. Note that recording cameras are installed in the shelving areas as well as in the private reading rooms.
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The Nicosia Municipality reserves the right to change or amend the Library’s General Rules without prior notice.
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All the above rules are essential for the smooth running of the Library. In the event that a visitor does not adhere to the rules, the Library supervisor has the right to ask them to leave the Library premises immediately.
7. Losses – Damages – Penalties
Any loss or damage to materials or equipment caused by a visitor, will incur full compensation charges for the replacement of the damaged material or equipment. In the case of serious damages and/or losses caused by a visitor, the Achilleios Municipal
Library and the Nicosia Municipality will have the right to apply additional penalties and take further measures.
In the event that the visitors who caused the damage refuse to fulfil their financial or other obligations, the Achilleios Municipal Library and the Nicosia Municipality will have the right to take legal or other action against them.
8. Donations
The Achilleios Municipal Library may accept financial donation as well as donations of printed or other materials, provided such donations are aligned with the purpose and objectives of the Library. It is understood that any donations must be made in
accordance with the relevant procedures as provided in the Laws and Regulations governing the operation of the Nicosia Municipality.
9. Lending
At present, the Library does not operate as a Lending Library.
10. Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 09:00-15:00 hrs
Saturday and Sunday: closed
The library will remain closed throughout the month of August and on all public
holidays.
11. Contact Details
Achilleios Municipal Library
Konstantinos Palaiologos 30, Nicosia
Telephone: 22797681-682
Website: www.nicosia.org.cy/el-GR/discover/libraries/achillios/
Email: Charalambos.Savvides@nicosia.org.cy