Rahvusraamatukogul

Rahvusraamatukogul, also known as Eesti Rahvusraamatukogu in Estonian and the National Library of Estonia in English, is the national library of Estonia. It serves as the country’s central repository for Estonian publications and as a memory institution that documents and preserves the cultural and intellectual heritage of the nation. The library collects, preserves, and provides access to printed materials, digital resources, manuscripts, maps, music, and audiovisual materials related to Estonia, as well as many foreign texts.

A key function of Rahvusraamatukogul is legal deposit, through which it receives copies of most works published in Estonia to ensure long-term preservation and broad access for researchers and the public. Access to its collections is provided through public reading rooms, an online catalog, and a digital library that hosts digitized materials and online resources. The library also maintains national bibliographies and metadata for Estonian publications, supporting research, education, and cultural activities.

Rahvusraamatukogul engages in digitization projects to broaden public access to heritage materials and to safeguard fragile formats. It collaborates with international library networks and participates in digitization standards, preservation initiatives, and shared catalogs. The institution also hosts exhibitions, lectures, and other programs that promote literacy and cultural understanding. Located in Tallinn, the library operates as a public cultural institution funded by the state and serves scholars, students, and citizens seeking reliable information and preservation of Estonia’s documentary heritage.