Our Vision, Mission and values
Welcome to the National and University Library St. Clement of Ohrid, the heart of knowledge, culture, and heritage. As the nation’s premier repository of information, the library is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the wealth of our documentary heritage with present and future generations. Beyond safeguarding books, manuscripts, and digital resources, the library serves as a vibrant hub for research, learning, and discovery, supporting scholars, students, and the wider community.
Rooted in values of inclusivity, stewardship, and innovation, the National Library strives to ensure that knowledge is accessible to all, inspiring curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Our story
The National and University Library “St. Clement of Ohrid” – Skopje was founded on November 23, 1944, as the central institution for library activity in free Macedonia. Building upon the centuries-old traditions of manuscript and monastic libraries established by its patron, St. Clement of Ohrid, the Library began with a collection of around 150,000 volumes, inherited largely from the Central Library of the Faculty of Philosophy in Skopje. Over the decades, it has evolved from modest premises with 50 reading places into a modern cultural, educational, and research center of national importance. Despite the challenges of natural disasters, the Library has preserved and expanded its collections, today housing millions of units and serving as both a national deposit library and the university library of Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje. As the coordinator of the national library-information system COBISS.MK, it plays a leading role in advancing access to knowledge, safeguarding cultural heritage, and supporting the scientific and educational development of the country. fostering a love for reading.
Our Role in the Community
A Community Anchor
The library serves as a vital hub for learning, creativity, and connection within the community. Beyond lending books, it provides safe and welcoming spaces where people of all ages can study, collaborate, and grow. Through literacy programs, cultural events, technology access, and partnerships with local schools and organizations, the library strengthens community ties and ensures that knowledge and resources are accessible to everyone.
