National Library

The National Library of Sweden, located in the heart of Stockholm, stands as the guardian of the nation’s collective memory, preserving extensive collections of books, manuscripts, and records that span centuries. Established in 1661, it first emerged when the legal deposit law was introduced, requiring publishers to submit copies of their works for preservation.

Throughout its history, the library has accumulated rare medieval manuscripts, early printed books such as the “Codex Gigas” (The Devil’s Bible), and significant archives documenting Swedish society and culture.

Housed since 1878 in its stately neo-Renaissance building in Humlegården park, the library underwent significant expansions, including the addition of a modern underground annex in 1997 to accommodate its ever-growing collections.

The National Library also played an essential role in the Swedish War Archive and protected important literary heritage during periods of war and upheaval. As a resource for both researchers and the public, its extensive digitalization projects have made rare documents accessible worldwide, solidifying its reputation as a leading European research library.

The library also serves as a major hub for bibliographic research, Swedish literary history, and international collaboration since it joined various global networks in the 21st century.