The Ivan Vazov National Library is one of the most important research libraries in Bulgaria, holding over 2.5 million items including manuscripts, maps, periodicals, and books in Bulgarian and other Balkan languages. The building — a solid, somewhat austere institutional structure — is less interesting than what it contains.
For visitors, the library is most relevant as a research resource for Bulgarian history and culture. The reading rooms are open to registered researchers; the entrance hall and main staircase can be viewed by any visitor. The library's location near the central pedestrian zone makes it easy to combine with the Dzhumaya Mosque, the Roman forum, and the old town.