Bergen Public Library, Bergen
Bergen Public Library (BPL) in Bergen serves as a cornerstone of cultural and historical preservation and access in the region. Established in 1872, BPL is Norway鈥檚 second-largest public library, continuing a legacy of literacy that dates back to the Middle Ages. Historically, Bergen was a central hub of literacy with most books held in monasteries and churches. A notable early collection was housed in Saint Mary's Church.
The foundations for the library were laid in 1766 when the vicar of Saint Mary's Church donated part of the church's book collection and some funds towards establishing a public library. This institution would eventually evolve into the BPL. The church's entire collection was formally transferred to the library in 1876 and remained there until it was moved to the University Library of Bergen nearly a century later.
The library鈥檚 holdings were significantly enhanced in 1871 with the acquisition of another 12,000 volumes from Paul Botten-Hansen, the university librarian at that time. The initial site of the library, a former brewery, soon became inadequate due to the expanding collection, prompting a move to a former meat market.
The early 20th century underscored the need for a purpose-built facility to house the growing library. This need was met when Olaf Nordhagen won an architectural competition in 1906 to design a new building. His neo-Romanesque design was realized in 1917, providing a modern and spacious home for the library's extensive collections.
Today, the Bergen Public Library not only continues to function from this historical building, which is now a protected property, but it has also expanded its reach with six district branches throughout the city, serving as a vital educational and cultural resource for the community.
The foundations for the library were laid in 1766 when the vicar of Saint Mary's Church donated part of the church's book collection and some funds towards establishing a public library. This institution would eventually evolve into the BPL. The church's entire collection was formally transferred to the library in 1876 and remained there until it was moved to the University Library of Bergen nearly a century later.
The library鈥檚 holdings were significantly enhanced in 1871 with the acquisition of another 12,000 volumes from Paul Botten-Hansen, the university librarian at that time. The initial site of the library, a former brewery, soon became inadequate due to the expanding collection, prompting a move to a former meat market.
The early 20th century underscored the need for a purpose-built facility to house the growing library. This need was met when Olaf Nordhagen won an architectural competition in 1906 to design a new building. His neo-Romanesque design was realized in 1917, providing a modern and spacious home for the library's extensive collections.
Today, the Bergen Public Library not only continues to function from this historical building, which is now a protected property, but it has also expanded its reach with six district branches throughout the city, serving as a vital educational and cultural resource for the community.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bergen. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Bergen Public Library on Map
Sight Name: Bergen Public Library
Sight Location: Bergen, Norway (See walking tours in Bergen)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bergen, Norway (See walking tours in Bergen)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bergen, Norway
Create Your Own Walk in Bergen
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bergen is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bergen's Architectural Jewels
Surprising as it may appear, but the seemingly small city of Bergen for centuries had been the largest in all of the Nordic countries. It also remained so for Norway until the 1830s. Apart from being the country's former capital (back in the 13th century), Bergen is well-known primarily for its astoundingly beautiful cityscape, formed by the backdrop of mountains and serene waterfront, much... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Bergen Shopping Tour
For centuries, since its establishment in the 1020s, Bergen has been an important commercial hub. As such, it is probably one of the oldest shopping destinations in Northern Europe. Today, Bergen features a variety of shops and markets scattered throughout the city.
One such notable location is Kjottbasaren, a historic market located near the city center. Here, visitors can explore a variety... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
One such notable location is Kjottbasaren, a historic market located near the city center. Here, visitors can explore a variety... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Bergen Introduction Walking Tour
It is a wonder Bergen has had so many fires in its history, considering it has averaged 200 days a year of rain. So, why the fires?
Flames leapt across the narrow streets. The compact wooden buildings were easy prey. In 1702 90% of the city was destroyed. Disasters continued through the years. Finally, in 1916, a new idea in prevention emerged. The way to stop a fire was to starve it.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Flames leapt across the narrow streets. The compact wooden buildings were easy prey. In 1702 90% of the city was destroyed. Disasters continued through the years. Finally, in 1916, a new idea in prevention emerged. The way to stop a fire was to starve it.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles