Deichman Bjørvika Library, Oslo

The Library Land Project has visited hundreds of amazing public libraries. A visit in January to the Deichman Bjørvika Library in Oslo has redefined amazing. Six stories of wonder in one of Europe’s coziest capitals. Opened in 2020, the Deichman Bjørvika is the centerpiece of the city’s 22 library system. The public response to the new library has been tremendous. According to a reference librarian, visitation has increased by 700 percent since the new library was opened. Astronomical!

The library overlooks the Oslofjord and the beautiful opera house. The city’s train station is nearby, and public transportation is right there as well. After arriving by tram, the co-located restaurant was the first order of business, and lunch was very good. We love seeing a variety of amenities at a library!

The library has an incredible array of spaces, services, and resources. More than half a million items, countless study rooms, a bustling makerspace complete with sewing machines and fitting rooms, and an energetic vibe. There’s a wall of living plants, a world language collection featuring 33 languages (it was interesting to learn that English is interfiled into the main collection), a terrific children’s section, and an approachable, helpful, and friendly staff.

In addition to its current collection, the Deichman Bjørvika is also the home of the Future Library. This is a collection, started in 2014, that won’t be available until 2114. The trees to print these future works are already growing. Authors from around the world have contributed, including Margaret Attwood, Karl Ove Knausgaard, Tsitsi Dangarembga, and Tommy Orange. It’s exciting to think of literary culture in this way, and the Deichman feels like the perfect place to house this project.

The library was completely buzzing during the visit, with people everywhere. There were kids, families, adults, seniors, groups, and individuals. This being January in Norway, there was an important request to everyone - do not use ice grippers, snow spikes, cleats, or studded winter shoes inside the library. We weren’t prepared for just how wonderful this library turned out to be. It was overwhelming. If you visit Oslo, this has to be part of your itinerary!