National Library of Foreign Literature

Did the walls of the National Library of Foreign Literature ever whisper secrets in languages you couldn’t understand? Right here, on Molnár utca, stands a building that holds more than just books. It holds the voices of the world. The National Library of Foreign Literature, a department of the National Széchényi Library, is a sanctuary for those who seek knowledge beyond borders. It houses a vast collection of contemporary and classical literature in their original languages. Imagine reading Dostoevsky in Russian or Marquez in Spanish, all under one roof. The National Library of Foreign Literature isn’t just about the big names. It also boasts a significant collection of works on linguistics, literature, and music. This includes classical music, folk music, jazz, and world music, along with resources on musicology and minority literature. You’ll find general works, arts, reference books, and summaries in related social sciences and humanities fields. Lexical works from various disciplines, databases, and dictionaries round out the collection. The library is open Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 8 PM, offering a quiet place to explore the world’s literary and musical landscape. So, next time you’re in Budapest, step into the National Library of Foreign Literature. Let the whispers of a hundred languages guide you on a journey of discovery.