A book stands open beckoning you inside. This is Solna stadsbibliotek. It is more than just a building full of books. It’s a community hub and a cultural center. Let’s explore its story.
Solna stadsbibliotek is the collective name for public libraries in Solna municipality. The central library is located in Solna Centrum. Other branches include Bergshamra library and Ulriksdalsskolan library. The digital library is also part of the organization. Solna stadsbibliotek even collaborates with Järvastaden. They jointly run the Mulle Meck house in Mulle Meck Park.
The history of Solna stadsbibliotek began in March 1914. Solna’s lecture association initiated the library. Their goal was to offer knowledge and education to everyone. They wanted to build a rich library. It would be an important factor in public education. In 1914, the state grant was 300 kronor. The municipality matched it with funds from the dog tax. The library’s books were kept in a bookcase. This bookcase was in a classroom at Centralskolan. Centralskolan still exists but houses other activities today. Adolf Berge a preschool teacher managed Solna’s first public library.
In 1937, the library moved. It merged with ABF’s study circle library. This was called “Biblioteksgården”. Åke Östlund was appointed librarian. He oversaw the library’s expansion until the mid-1970s.
Solna became a city in 1943. Two smaller branches opened. One was in Ulriksdal in 1946. The other was in Huvudsta in 1947. The first children’s library opened in 1953. It was located in Råsunda primary school. Solna’s main library moved to larger premises in 1955. It was now at Råsundavägen 100. New activities began. A children’s section opened. Outreach programs started. These included a mobile library for retirement homes.
In the 1960s, a new center was built in the city. In 1964, the main library got its own multi-story building. It was in the new Solna Centrum. The library’s focus shifted in the mid-1960s. It became a “living room” for the community. It provided social information and cultural events.
In the 1970s, a branch opened in Hagalund. The Huvudsta branch split into two. One was in Västra skogen. The other was in Huvudsta Centrum. Computers arrived in the late 1980s. This marked the beginning of the digital age.
In the 1990s, the library system centralized. The libraries in Hagalund and Västra skogen closed. In 2008, the Mulle Meck library opened. It was in Järvastaden’s Mulle Meck Park. In autumn 2013, the Bergshamra library opened.
Solna stadsbibliotek has several branches. The library in Solna Centrum is the largest. Bergshamra library is a local library for everyone. Ulriksdalsskolan library is integrated. It serves both the school and the public. Mulle Meck House is a whimsical book cottage.
In 2018, Library Ranking Europe reviewed Solna stadsbibliotek. It gave it five stars out of six. The assessment was “excellent”. Only three libraries received the higher grade “exceptional”.
Solna has been buying art since 1955. Solna stadsbibliotek houses several works by famous artists. In Solna Centrum, you can find the bronze sculpture “Blä blä”. Lena Cronqvist created it in 1998. It depicts a mischievous girl. She welcomes visitors with a funny face. She sits on the floor under the grand staircase. In the Kylberg room, the painting “Väntan II” adorns a wall. Carl Kylberg created it.
Outside Bergshamra library, there is a sculpture group. It is called Noah’s Ark by Sven Lundqvist. He created it in 1960-61. It was installed in 1966. The group depicts Noah his wife and seven animals. Children can climb on them.
In 2014, Solna stadsbibliotek underwent LGBTQ certification. On January 22, 2015, the libraries became certified by RFSL. The libraries prioritize children’s access. In 2018, Solna libraries had 795 activities. 492 activities targeted children and young people.
Solna stadsbibliotek offers a variety of media. These include physical books audiobooks and films. They also have e-books and e-audiobooks. If you cannot visit the library the “Book Comes Home” service is available. Solna stadsbibliotek truly offers something for everyone.