Considering a book can transport you to another world, what secrets are held within the walls of the National Library of Sweden? This isn’t just a building. It is a treasure trove of Swedish history and culture. Welcome to the Kungliga biblioteket, or KB, Sweden’s National Library.
Established in 1661, the National Library of Sweden began with a simple yet profound purpose. It was decreed that all printers in Sweden must submit two copies of every publication to the Chancery. One copy went to the Swedish National Archives and the other to the National Library. Initially, this wasn’t about preserving knowledge but more about state control and censorship. Over time, it transformed into a mission to safeguard Sweden’s cultural heritage.
Today, the National Library of Sweden collects and preserves almost everything published in Sweden. This includes manuscripts, books, newspapers, music, TV programs and pictures. The library’s collections extend back more than a thousand years. They continue to grow daily. The National Library of Sweden boasts over 18 million items. Many are safely stored in underground storage rooms.
But the National Library of Sweden is more than just Swedish material. It also houses a large collection of foreign research literature, mainly in the humanities. You can find literature in various languages covering history, art and literature. The National Library of Sweden also collects foreign material with a Swedish connection. These include translated books, games by Swedish producers and films about Sweden.
Interestingly, the library plays a vital role in promoting collaboration and development within the Swedish library sector. It collects Sweden’s official library statistics. These detail the books, films and activities at libraries throughout the country. The National Library of Sweden also coordinates open access to scientific publications. This aims to make tax-funded research freely available to read, download and distribute.
The National Library of Sweden also administrates and develops Libris. This is the Swedish national library catalogue. It contains ten million titles from about 500 Swedish libraries.
The National Library of Sweden ensures that cultural heritage and research are openly available to all. Since 2006, the National Library of Sweden has worked to advance open access to scholarly output. The goal is for publicly funded research to be free to read, download, process and disseminate.
The National Library of Sweden has faced challenges. In 2004, dozens of rare books were stolen. The thief was a senior librarian. Some books have been recovered, but the search continues.
As you stand here, remember that the National Library of Sweden is more than just a repository of books. It is a living testament to Sweden’s commitment to knowledge, culture and the free exchange of ideas. It is a place where the past, present and future converge, inviting all to explore the boundless realms of human thought and creativity.