Bergen Public Library

is the second largest public library in Norway. The present institution was founded in 1872, but is based on much older library traditions in the city. The main library was built in 1917 and is a protected building.

Bergen public library has its main library plus Music department in the city centre, 6 branch libraries and a mobile library which covers all parts of the city. Bergen public library also runs the libraries in Bergen prison and Bjørgvin prison.

Bergen public library is the the base for Hordaland county library. The inter - library lending service is based in the main library and books bought through the county`s funds are placed here.

In addition to a wide choice of modern Norwegian and foreign literature and other material, the library owns valuable special collections and archives from earlier times. A total number of 700.000 books, periodicals, sheet music, CDs, videos etc are available for library users. Everything published after 1964, with the exception of some of the older sheet music is now accessible via WWW, and over half of the older collections have been converted.

Under the links on the right-hand side you will find more detailed information on the library.

Net library

The Net library is Bergen Public Library`s presentation on the Internet. Varying subjects are high-lighted, there are author profiles, book tips, etc. and 24-hour access to the Library`s catalogues. There is also an "Ask the librarian" service.The bibliographical information and services are based upon the material and the personnel of the library. It comprises traditional library services available on-line and new material produced for the net library.

The Net library will be under constant growth and developement.

The net library has been developed 1997-1998 with support from the Norwegian Directorate for Public Libraries, the Norwegian Council for Cultural Affairs and the artist Gerhard Stoltz has given it form.