National Library
The National Library of Latvia is a cultural, scientific and educational centre of national significance. The Library was founded on 29 August 1919. The Library’s mission is to build and maintain a repository of national and world literature, to ensure long-term and free access to it for all Latvian citizens, and to promote its creative utilisation. The core of the more than 4 million items in the massive Library collection comprises Latvian and foreign publications about Latvia and its people, and works published in Latvia, as well as those by domestic authors.
The main Library building –Gaismas pils– named after the “Castle of Light” in a legendary Latvian tale – was opened to the public in 2014. It was designed in 1989 by world-renowned, Latvian-born architect Gunnar Birkerts (US).
The Castle of Light is a landmark of the city of Riga, a spatial and functional place of cognition equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The pyramidal structure which rises 68 meters high on the Daugava riverbank opposite the historic city centre is among the greatest projects of the 21st century in Latvia. At the same time it is one of the largest cultural buildings in Northern Europe in the 21st century. It converts the Library into a modern and creative world-class cultural and information centre. The Library provides collections, services and premises for education, research, self-development and leisure purposes.
Besides the standard services and routine operations, the Castle of Light and its infrastructure serve as a platform for activities of various cooperation partners and a place of unique creative synergies.
For further information, please visit the official webpage.