National Library of Latvia, Riga

The National Library of Latvia, also known as the "Castle of Light", stands as a monumental cultural and educational institution in Riga. Established in 1919 following the proclamation of an independent Republic of Latvia in 1918, the library was first overseen by Jānis Misiņš, a prominent figure in Latvian librarianship and the founder of Latvian scientific bibliography.

The library’s current facility, a striking example of modern architecture, was designed by the Latvian-American architect Gunnar Birkerts. Birkerts, who emigrated to the United States, conceptualized the building in 1989; however, it was not constructed until the early 21st century, officially opening in 2014. This architectural marvel not only embodies the spirit of Latvian cultural identity but also serves as a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment.

Today, the National Library of Latvia is pivotal in fostering Latvia's information society, providing essential services such as Internet access and supporting various educational and research activities. Its holdings are extensive, with over 5 million titles, including roughly 18,000 manuscripts dating from the 14th century to the present. The library is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and providing long-term access to national literature, fulfilling its role as a guardian of Latvian heritage.

The NLL also functions as a center for theoretical and practical research regarding library sciences in Latvia. It manages the Latvia Interlibrary Loan Center, offers library and information services to the Latvian Parliament (the Saeima), and plays a crucial role in the standardization of library practices across the country. Its commitment to the national bibliography is underscored by significant publications such as the union catalog Ancient Prints in Latvian 1525–1855 ("Seniespiedumi latviešu valodā"), which was recognized as The Beautiful Book of the Year in 1999 and won the Spīdola Prize in 2000.

The National Library of Latvia remains a cornerstone of cultural and educational development, continually adapting to meet the evolving needs of its community and preserving the rich tapestry of Latvian culture for future generations.