On April 16, 1917, the “Komisia Letrare” library was founded in Shkodra. It was a joint Albanian-Austrian initiative led by Luigj Gurakuqi and a group of patriots. The Austrian Academy of Sciences supported the project. The commission played a key role in standardizing the Albanian language.

The writer and publicist Hilë Mosi directed the library. He was the first to introduce the concept of legal deposit in Albania. Mosi also helped shape early library development.

Other intellectuals joined the commission, including Gjergj Fishta, Sotir Peci, Ndre Mjeda, and Aleksandër Xhuvani.

The library’s holdings came from local publishers like “Nikaj” and “Zoja e Papërlyeme,” totaling around 3,000 volumes.

After the commission dissolved in 1918, its collection passed to the “Vllaznia” society. Later, the collection was moved to Tirana under the Ministry of Education.

On July 10, 1920, the National Library was founded with Mati Logoreci as its director. It was first named the State Library. Two years later, it became the National Library.