In 331 BCE, Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great and soon developed into what was considered one of the greatest cities in the world, with people from a multitude of ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds; all living in peace and harmony. The Great Library and Museum were built, which gradually filled with a treasure of knowledge and thought and became landmarks of the city. It was a haven for philosophy, tolerance and religious freedom, aspects that transformed Alexandria into a cosmopolitan city.
Today, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA) stands where the Ancient Library once stood. It was not built only as a commemoration, but also to revive the principles of cultural tolerance and knowledge.
As part of this revival the BA proudly announces the Second International Biennale for the Artist's Book which will be held on Saturday, 15 April 2006, under the presidency of Prof. Mustafa Al-Razzaz, Bibliotheca Alexandrina Special Advisor on Plastic Arts; and Dr. Gamal Lamei, General Commissioner of the Biennale. Participating in the Biennale are 66 artists from the Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Iraq, Italy, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, UK, USA and Egypt.