The existing documents and manuscripts in the archives of Organization of Libraries, Museums and Documents clearly recount the long history behind Imam Reza shrine library.

The facts that the library has been affiliated with the shrine, the rulers’ high regard for it, the endowed nature of the place, etc. have all contributed to the durability of the facility over time.

A look at the history of the place shows that it was established during the Safavid rule (1501-1736), consolidated during the Afsharid dynasty (1736-96), and expanded during the Qajar era (1794-1925). 

Historically, there were some jobs connected with the library, such as librarianship, scribe, and so on. Bookbinding was one of the major occupations in the facility that has a long history of over 500 years.

There used to be some strict rules in place to borrow books from the library. For instance, during the Qajar era, borrowing references was forbidden for protection purposes.

 Although the better part of the books in the library was through donations, reproduction of the missing works and buying were also other means of procuring books.

To give a more detailed historical account of Imam Reza shrine library, the book, ‘History of Imam Reza shrine Library based on Qajar Documents’ was been published in 2013.