Heritage Malta has donated an extensive selection of its publications to the Anton Buttigieg Library within the official residence of the President of Malta at San Anton Palace, Attard. This contribution enriches the Palace's growing Melitensia collection with valuable resources on Malta's heritage - from history, archaeology and art to social memory, traditions, language, and local cuisine.
The donation includes a copy of every publication issued by Heritage Malta from the start of 2019 until the end of 2025, reflecting the agency's commitment to keeping heritage alive through knowledge and access. By placing these works within this important national seat, Heritage Malta is furthering its mission to deepen appreciation, encourage visits to the historic places it safeguards, and inspire further study and research.
The Anton Buttigieg Library was inaugurated nine years ago and dedicated to Dr Anton Buttigieg - poet, politician, and Malta's second President - on the recommendation of the Akkademja tal-Malti. Heritage Malta's donation significantly strengthens the library's envisioned Melitensia section.
The donated collection includes publications addressing important moments in national memory such as the Sette Giugno and the Great Siege; in-depth studies on ancient wonders, underwater heritage, and the daring lives of real-life 18th century Maltese corsairs; official guidebooks offering journeys into Malta's museums and historical sites; cross-cultural works such as China in Maltese Eyes; exhibition catalogues, and monographs on Maltese artists.
Also featuring are editions of Tesserae - Heritage Malta's bulletin, the acclaimed The Malta War Papers series, publications issued by the Office of the Chief Herald of Arms of Malta, and the popular Flavours of Malta recipe books celebrating traditional seasonal cuisine.
The donation also caters for younger readers through colouring books, activity and story books introducing children to heritage sites through friendly characters, and Heritage Malta's first graphic novel, The Cursed Thief.
During the official presentation, Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, commented: "The publications donated by Heritage Malta are intended for a variety of audiences, from young children to adults, and will supplement the publications presented to the President of Malta by authors and publishers during courtesy visits. This donation of books is ideal to further enhance the experience of those visiting San Anton Palace during visits organised by local councils, schools and organisations."
Heritage Malta's CEO, Noel Zammit, said: "Books remain one of the greatest gateways to understanding who we are and how we came to be. Through this donation, we are placing our country's story in a space of national importance where readers of all ages can discover, question, and be inspired. Heritage should never stand still behind glass. It should continue to shape minds today and encourage tomorrow's generations to write even greater chapters in Malta's history."