The National Library of Latvia

The core functions of the National Library of Latvia (NLL) are collection of national literature, its perpetual storage and provision of long-term access.

The NLL collection (4.5 million units) embraces all branches of knowledge, the fundamental profile being Social Science and the Humanities. Library readers also have access to special collections – rare books, manuscripts, the Lettonica (Latvian) and Baltic Central Library collections, maps, sheet music, sound recordings, graphic publications, ephemera and periodicals.

Since 2014, the National Library of Latvia is located in a building on Mūkusalas Street 3 (Castle of Light). The library building was designed by the internationally acclaimed Latvian-born architect Gunnar Birkerts (USA), and it is among the greatest cultural projects of the 21st century in Latvia. Besides the standard services and routine operations, the Castle of Light and its infrastructure serves as a platform for activities of various cooperation partners and a place of unique creative synergies.

The tour will include importants points around the library, with special emphasis on the Audiovisual Reading Room and its collections. Approximate duration: 1 hour.