Baakleen National Library occupies a historic building that goes back to 1897, known then as "Baakleen Saray", comprising a court, a prison, and a post of the gendarmerie.

Upon the initiative of MP Walid Jumblatt in 1987, the building was restored and furnished to assume the role of a public library, which was equipped with various volumes, reference books, periodicals, and necessary equipment and run by a well trained and experienced staff. Upon his request, the library was annexed to the Ministry of Culture under the Council of Ministers Resolution No. 44, dated 9/10/1996, and thus became a public establishment. The mission of the library is:

1) To meet the needs of scholars,

2) To stimulate and develop the cultural movement,

3) To contribute to social awareness.