Libraries are disappearing around the world, but they remain important institutions in some Norwegian cities. Here’s what you need to know.
Last week I visited Trondheim Library on a whim, my first visit to any Norwegian library. I’ve since visited several other ones in Norway, including the eye-catching Tromsø library.
In Trondheim, I'd been walking around for a while looking for a quiet cafe to work in and spotted the sign for the library. I thought it a good opportunity to check out the facilities. Surely they'd have a place to sit and work with free wifi? Yep, they did!
I was initially surprised to find the library closed, but of course, it's July, therefore the summer opening hours of 10am-4pm applied. Thankfully it was 9.55am so I only had a few minutes to wait.
Anyway, to cut a long story short, I was really impressed by the library and as I haven't ever read anything about libraries in Norway before, I thought I'd share what I found out.
Norway's Public Library Network
There are over 800 public libraries in Norway, including some mobile units for the more rural areas. Most towns and cities have one main library with several smaller sites.
For example in Oslo, there is the striking new Deichman library on the waterfront, but also 16 other locations including Majorstuen, Grünerløkka, Galme Oslo, Torshov, and further out in the suburbs at Furuset and Røa.
In Trondheim, there are a total of six libraries covering the city, in the city centre, Byåsen, Moholt, Risvollan, Saupstad and Heimdal.
In addition to this, there's the vast academic libraries of the universities, many of which are open to the public too! The University of Oslo says the following:
The library’s main function is to support the University’s aims regarding research, education, communication and innovation. The University of Oslo Library is available to everyone, whether or not you are attached to the University. Our primary users are staff and students at the University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, but we are also a resource for users outside the university.
The Library Card & Borrowing Books
To borrow a book you need to sign-up for a library card. It's a simple process and took me just a couple of minutes, but you do need some photo-ID (e.g. bank card) and a Norwegian address.
You set your own PIN code, then a few minutes later you're the proud owner of a Norwegian library card, which works in every public library in the country. Neat!
By the way, it's just not books you can borrow. There's CDs, DVDs, audio books, and perhaps of most interest to foreigners – language courses – including plenty of Norwegian ones!
In the main Trondheim library, there was a large collection of newspapers from around Norway and some international editions too, along with a wide selection of books in English and other languages.
Centre of the Community
As in many other countries, the libraries seem to function as community centres. I imagine this is even more so in rural areas.
In Trondheim there were plenty of people (me included!) taking advantage of the free high-speed wifi, and for those without their own laptops there were several desktop machines available for use.
There was a big noticeboard in the foyer full of events taking place in the library and elsewhere in the city, including plenty of publicity for the upcoming St Olav Festival.
Several people seemed to just wander in, grab a cheap coffee from the machine, read the day's paper, have a chat with the staff, and leave to carry on with their day.
Overall I found it a pleasant place to work. It was quiet (but by no means silent!) with good wifi and helpful staff.
Deichman Library in Oslo
Oslo's relatively new Deichman Library is a striking addition to the city's waterfront. I’m a regular visitor whenever I’m in the capital city.
Opened in June 2020, this modern architectural marvel features a unique exterior resembling stacked books and offers a blend of traditional library services with innovative spaces, including a cinema, gaming zone, and workshops.
The library has fewer physical books than its predecessor but compensates with enhanced digital collections. It represents Oslo's ambition for contemporary design while providing a multifunctional cultural hub for both locals and tourists.
The Future Norwegian Library
The brainchild of Scottish visual artist called Katie Paterson, the Future Library project is a fascinating one.
In short, Katie, together with Bjørvika Utvikling, has planted 1000 trees in the forest around Oslo, near Frognerseteren T-bane station. In 100 years time these trees will be chopped down and to make the paper upon which the manuscripts of 100 authors’ writings will be printed.
Authors signing up agreed to submit a piece of writing that will remain secret until publishing day in 2114. The first author to sign up to this project was Margaret Atwood, who submitted her manuscript ‘Scribber Moon’.
Life in Norway writer Eleni Simeou Attended the handover ceremony and had this to say: “To me, one of the most pertinent things said today was about story telling. Margaret Atwood spoke about how story telling is as ancient as humans themselves.”
“She poignantly said that although the platforms have changed, and will continue to do so, story telling is an art form that will always remain. Oslo is doing its part to make sure there is a place to tell those stories from,” she added.
I'll definitely be spending more time at my local library. Have you been to yours?
Really interesting Dave – I have yet to visit the library here either although the main one in Stavanger is located with SF Kino. I’ll have to go get myself a card and see what I find!
Jay
And like the University Library in Oslo, also the University Library of Stavanger (located at Ullandhaug) is open to the public. So you are most welcome there too, even if you are not a student or staff. 🙂