YSU library was founded on February 28, 1920, based on the fund of the library of the Yerevan Teachers’ Seminary. Hakob Manandyan was appointed temporary manager of the library, and on his initiative, the library was replenished with valuable literature. The book funds of Yerevan Diocesan School, Gevorgyan Seminary, and other institutions were handed over to the university library. After Lazarian Seminary in Moscow, Nersisian School in Tbilisi, and donations from individuals, at the end of 1921, the library's book assets amounted to 25,000 units.
On November 8, 1922, the ceremonial opening of the library took place. After about 5 years, the book fund doubled. Today YSU scientific library has about 1.5 million units of literature.
In 1944, the university was granted the third scientific rank, the second one in 1966, and 1st rank in 1991.
On October 12, 1994, within the framework of the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the founding of YSU, the newly constructed library building was officially opened, the construction of which began back in the Soviet years. Finally, the dream of university students came true: a comfortable library with capacious bookcases, spacious reading rooms, and offices.
In 1995, Swiss-Armenian philanthropist Tigran Izmirlyan donated 1 million US dollars to the YSU library, computers were purchased, and the automation and information department of the library was opened, which began the work of establishing a digital library and creating electronic maps. Thus, the basis for technical re-equipment of the library, modernization of library processes, and application of modern methods in library work was laid.
Along with the scientific and technical transformations, the library's funds were replenished by all possible means: state allocations, book exchange, grants, and donations. The library was replenished with modern literature and collections related to various fields: Galust Gulbekyan (4400 units), H. Takesyan (2800 units), and A. Sakharov (1200 units).
On October 7, 1997, the YSU library was solemnly named after Sargis and Mari Izmirlians, the parents of philanthropist Tigran Izmirlian.
