Museum
National Library of Latvia
National Library of Latvia is a museum.
About National Library of Latvia
Overview
The National Library of Latvia (NLL) is a major cultural and educational institution serving as the central library of the country. Founded in 1919, it has evolved into a comprehensive repository of Latvian heritage and a center for library research. The institution currently holds more than 5 million titles, including significant historical manuscripts and a vast array of digitized materials. It functions as a hub for interlibrary loans and provides essential information services to the Parliament of the Republic of Latvia.
History & Founding
The library was established on 29 August 1919, one year after Latvia regained independence. Its collection grew significantly in 1939 and 1940 when the State Library absorbed numerous other libraries and collections. The institution faced challenges during World War II and the subsequent Soviet occupation. Following the re-establishment of Latvian national independence in 1991, the institution officially adopted the name National Library of Latvia. In 1995, it received a permanent loan of a significant collection, further enriching its holdings.
The New Building & Architecture
Discussions regarding the need for a new library building began as early as 1928. Due to continuous growth, the library's holdings were distributed across five locations in Riga by 1988. The Parliament eventually authorized a new construction on the left bank of the Daugava River. Construction commenced in 2008 according to the design of a noted architect. The resulting structure features thirteen floors and has become a dominant landmark on the Riga cityscape. The building serves as a venue for conferences, conventions, and community events, including hosting the 4th summit of the EU's Eastern Partnership.
Collection Highlights & Digital Initiatives
The library's holdings include approximately 18,000 manuscripts dating from the 14th century to modern times. It also maintains specific collections of posters, including works by artists such as Oskars Šteinbergs (1882–1937). Digitization efforts began in 1999, leading to the formation of the Latvian National Digital Library Letonica in 2006, which houses digitized newspapers, pictures, maps, books, sheet music, and audio recordings. In 2008, the NLL launched Periodika.lv, a project allowing full-text search and page-by-page reading of digitized historical periodicals in Latvian.
Significance & Role
The National Library of Latvia acts as a center for theoretical research and practical analysis of library activities within the country. It ensures library and information services to the Parliament and manages the center of Latvia Interlibrary Loan. The institution's collections have received high-level international recognition for their value. The permanent exhibition 'Book in Latvia' presents the history of the Latvian book in a global context, reflecting the library's role in preserving and promoting national cultural identity.