As the need to document information evolved, from the earliest cave paintings created around 30,000 BCE to the cuneiform and hieroglyphics developed by the ancient Sumerians and Egyptians respectively, the purpose and meaning of literary preservation developed as well.

Fast forward to the digitized world that we find ourselves in today. The library, as a physical location, destination, a repository and distribution entity for knowledge is quickly disappearing. Replaced by The Cloud, The Web, Wiki and Google, the quiet and reflective place of concentration and serenity is becoming a distant memory.

The subject matter housed in any given library throughout history is endless. The purpose of the Asian Legacy Library is finite.

In addition to being a traditional library, which serves as a “home” for documented knowledge, ALL’s focus is as a partner and stakeholder in preservation. It is a place of great beauty and optimism in that its purpose is to collect, protect and share the original teachings and commentaries of masters in a variety of the world’s greatest literary wisdom traditions.

It’s origins, 33 years ago, and current focus are primarily on preserving the incomparable teachings of Asia and South Asia. However, ALL’s mission has expanded to encompass a greater initiative to locate and protect collections beyond its core body of knowledge.