The National Library of Latvia is the national cultural institution of importance under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, acting in accordance with the law "On the National Library of Latvia", other laws and Regulation is approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

The mission of the National Library of Latvia is to promote the free and inventive usage of Latvia's cultural and scientific heritage so as to foster education, research, the development of knowledge and the quality of life.

The National Library of Latvia cooperates with many libraries, organizations and institutions in Latvia and in the world with the aim of sharing professional experience and knowledge.

The collection of the National Library of Latvia embraces all branches of science, its basic profile being Social Sciences and the Humanities. Library readers are offered special collections – rare books, manuscripts, Letonica, the Baltic Central Library, maps, music scores, sound recordings, graphic documents, small prints and periodicals. At present, the emphasis of the library activities is laid on supporting higher education, research and life-long education.

The National Library of Latvia was established on August 29th, 1919. And 95 years after, in 2014, the new building officially opened its doors.

It was designed by the internationally renowned Latvian architect Gunnar Birkerts to be both a striking architectural symbol for Latvia and a state-of-the-art, multi-functional structure that meets the needs of a modern information based society. This structure provides free and easy access to all the library's services, while offering a stimulating setting for research, study and the exchange of ideas.

The new National Library of Latvia building is one of the most complex objects to be constructed in independent Latvia, it presented a challenge both to the builders as well as the library professionals in attaining the requirements of a model 21^st century library.

Its appearance includes metaphors and references to the most important images of Latvian folklore. A crystal mountain that symbolizes the height of achievement – something not easily attainable but full of rewards for those who make the commitment to reach its peak. Latvian literature and folklore also speak of the 'castle of light' as a metaphor for wisdom that has been lost, but will rise again from the depths of the Daugava River after the Latvian people have overcome the intellectual darkness of war, invasion and occupation. Birkerts has incorporated both of these evocative Latvian myths into the design of the new National Library building. Located on the left bank of the Daugava River, its glassy slopes will mirror the spires that shape the distinctive silhouette of Old Riga.

The key characteristics of the new National Library building are flexibility, light and place. The Castle of Light will never be a motionless structure – it features large and small-scale exhibitions, film screenings, book presentations, lectures, different conferences, workshops and other events.

It has become a repository of knowledge where information can be stored, protected and shared. The National Library of Latvia is both a structure and a symbol of human knowledge, which it contains and reveres.