Royal Library (Kongelige Bibliotek), Copenhagen

The Royal Library (Kongelige Bibliotek) in Copenhagen serves as the national library of Denmark and the university library for the University of Copenhagen. It stands as one of the largest libraries globally and the biggest in the Nordic countries. Historically significant, the library was founded in 1648 by King Frederik III, who endowed it with a rich collection of European literature, and it was opened to the public in 1793.

In 1989, the Royal Library merged with the Copenhagen University Library, founded in 1482, boosting its prestige and collections. Further mergers included the Danish National Library for Science and Medicine in 2005, and the Danish Folklore Archive in 2008, expanding its scope. In 2017, it merged with the State and University Library in Aarhus, forming the Royal Danish Library, operating in Copenhagen and Aarhus. This consolidation solidified its role as a key custodian of Danish cultural heritage.

The Royal Library houses an extensive collection of books, journals, newspapers, manuscripts, maps, prints, photographs, music scores, and digital content, including four annual electronic copies of the Danish Internet. It also holds nearly all Danish printed works dating back to 1482, thanks to significant donations and legal deposit requirements. As of 2017, the library possessed nearly 37 million physical units and over 2.4 million electronic titles, accessible through an online catalog and a reading room, providing comprehensive access to its patrons.

Thus, the Royal Library not only functions as a crucial academic and cultural resource but also as a guardian of Denmark's printed and digital heritage, continuously evolving to include a wide array of media and historical treasures.

Tip:
Entrance is through the library's modern extension – the adjoining Black Diamond. From there you can take an escalator up which takes you towards the old section, worth visiting just to admire the interior. Public tours of the Black Diamond are offered every Saturday at 3pm for a fee. The on-site café is good, with seating outside on sunny days (there is also a nice restaurant, "Søren K"), and you can buy something special in the small shop.