The National Library of Maldives, being the largest and the oldest library in the Maldives, is the center of library services and information promotion in the country. The National Library is the apex organization of library and information service system serving the entire nation. With the turning point of the new era, the National Library has become the landmark for students, researchers and general users as the main centre from where to obtain and collect knowledge and information. The library has played active roles in collecting reading materials, and promoting reading habit as well as the research work among Maldivians and non-Maldivians in the past twenty-two years.

In the climate of development and modernization that has prevailed since 1978 the library was named "National Library" by His Excellency President Mr. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on 1st June 1982.