About us

The National Library of Latvia is a place where everyone can freely access information, express ideas, and develop their thinking. Our mission is to make the education and growth of Latvian society easy and continuous, strengthening independence and democracy in Latvia. We work to make the National Library of Latvia a habit, a support, and a value in the life of every Latvian inhabitant.

We believe in humanity, curiosity, and professionalism – we greet everyone with respect, assist on the path of knowledge, continuously improve ourselves, and contribute to the good of society.

Our collection is unique, diverse, and accessible to the public. Here you can learn more about our tasks and activities, future strategy, organization, employment and educational opportunities, as well as the history of the National Library of Latvia.

The National Library of Latvia is a nationally significant state cultural institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, operating in accordance with the law "On the National Library of Latvia", other regulatory enactments, and regulations approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

NLL mission: To facilitate continual education and growth of the Latvian society, strengthening independence and democracy in Latvia.

NLL values:

• Humanity – we will welcome everyone with respect and responsiveness, and accompany
  them on the path of knowledge;
• Curiosity – we will seek knowledge ourselves and encourage others to acquire knowledge;
• Professionalism – we will use our competences, skills and knowledge for the benefit of society.

NLL vision: The NLL has become a habit, support and value in the life of every inhabitant of Latvia.

• Collection: We have and will have a unique, diverse and publicly available library collection.
• Services: We will provide services, encouraging to use the library content so that every inhabitant of Latvia can improve their knowledge and skills throughout life.
• Cultural Site: We will strengthen the NLL as a cultural site for the nation’s democratic growth and international recognition.
• Cooperation: The NLL is a leader in the library sector, in the field of book science and digital cultural heritage, an important research centre of humanities and social sciences, and a cooperation partner in culture and education.

Coming soon

Built in 2014, the National Library of Latvia is a landmark of the city of Riga and a striking example of 21st-century expressive modernist architecture. In 2023, the LNB building was included in the list of nationally significant cultural monuments, and its construction was carried out with the support and expertise of UNESCO.

Coming soon