Latvian National Library

The new library will be a multi-functional culture and education centre, a depository of knowledge with access to state-of-the-art services. Alongside the construction of the new library building, a unified library information system, the so-called Network of Light, is to be created; it will link all Latvian public libraries into a single system providing for more efficient and effective information searches.

The world-famous Latvian architect Gunars Birkerts developed the project for the new building (called The Palace of Light) of the Latvian National Library about fifteen years ago.At that time an appropriate site was selected on the left bank of the Daugava opposite Old Town. Preliminary work related to construction has already begun at the construction site; the and the technical project is expected to be completed next autumn. The building is expected to be finished in autumn of 2008.

December 19, 2005, the state agency "New Three Brothers" (3jb) and "Hill International" signed the contract on completion of the planning works of the new building of Latvian National Library.

The signed contract ends the 10 year period since the world famous company of project management and construction claims services  "Hill International" has won the competition on the elaboration of technical project for the new building of LNL. "Hill International" will elaborate the construction design and provide the approval of the competent authorities as well as prepare the documentation of the construction competition.

Resources from state investments are allotted for the development of the technical project for the library, whereas the entire project is to be financed from a variety of sources. The approximate project costs amount to about 90 million lats.