National Library of Latvia — Attraction in Riga

Walk into the National Library of Latvia and you’re stepping into a story told in millions of voices. Over four million items—books, periodicals, maps, music scores, rare manuscripts, and photographs—line its shelves and fill its digital archives. There’s the Dainu skapis, a humble cabinet that holds 250,000 handwritten Latvian folksongs, each one a small act of memory that survived through decades of change.

Every floor is a new discovery. Downstairs, sunlight pours into reading rooms where students and researchers gather. Upstairs, rare books and historic maps whisper stories of centuries past. There’s a music library with the most comprehensive collection of Latvian sheet music, and the Nation’s Book Shelf—a soaring wall of books chosen by the public, five stories high. Exhibition spaces invite curiosity, conference halls buzz with conversation, and on the eleventh floor, the city of Riga unfolds in a panorama, as if the library itself is offering you a new perspective.

But sometimes, the rules remind you that stories are shaped by boundaries. I believe public libraries should be open to anyone and everyone, so I was disappointed to find that access required a physical ID card—my electronic version wasn’t enough. It felt at odds with the spirit of openness I value, especially as someone who lives near the New York Public Library, a place I’m proud of because it welcomes all.

Still, at the end of the exhibition, I found a quiet moment of connection: a display of books that have made a difference, including "Library Lion," noted by the New York Public Library. That book, and this experience, reminded me that sometimes rules need exceptions. Despite the hiccup, I’d still give five stars—because the heart of this library is about learning, adapting, and letting everyone become part...

Latvijas Nacionālās bibliotēkas atbalsta biedrība is an organization supporting the National Library of Latvia. It promotes the library's mission, organizes events, and raises funds for acquisitions and projects. The Atbalsta biedrība fosters pride in Latvian cultural heritage, enhancing collections, and promoting research. It contributes to the preservation of Latvia's intellectual and literary traditions for future generations.

Across Riga Stone Bridge, my steps take flight, A lovely afternoon, bathed in golden light. To the Society of Friends, I venture near, Where knowledge and art intertwine, crystal clear.

Amazed by the architecture, standing tall, A testament to history, captivating all. Through grand arches, I pass with glee, Intrigued by what lies ahead for me to see.

Within the library's halls, exhibitions unfold, A tapestry of wisdom, stories untold. Enlightened by artifacts, each display, Latvian heritage brought to life, in its own way.

As I wander through this cultural abode, My spirit lifts, with knowledge bestowed. Riga Stone Bridge brought me here today, To embrace the beauty of words, on this lovely...

Amazing architectural building. Shaped as a book lying down on a table upside down, this library offers a free entrance and wardrobe with staff.

If you go inside, there are several exhibitions to visit and the Kennedy Room with American books and magazines is quite interesting.

There is plenty of space to sit down quietly and enjoy the view of the river or maybe plan your next stop in Riga. Every floor has its own colour, and the couches are the same colour.

A little but fun detail is the stairs in the side of the buildings, where the steps are actually shaped as the building.

There is also a small gift shop and cafè with river view. If you take the elevator to the top, you can enjoy a stunning view from distance over the city, river and landscape. The windows are covered with small dots, so you can’t see anything, if you go close to the windows.

There is a place for kids and an exhibition about book print at the moment, where the kids can make small puzzles, just as the old book printers did. Quite cool.

Even my teenager enjoyed the visit.

Definitely worth a visit...