National Library of Belarus (NLB) is the main scientific and cultural center of the country, as well as the largest repository of books and documents. It was founded in 1922 as the library of the Belarusian State University (BSU), but a few years later became an independent institution. Throughout its history, the library has developed and expanded, becoming one of the most significant cultural institutions in Belarus.
The modern building of the National Library of Belarus is one of the most famous landmarks in Minsk and an example of unique architecture. It is constructed in the shape of a rhombicuboctahedron — a complex geometric figure popularly referred to as a "diamond." Its height reaches 73.7 meters, the building has 23 floors, and its total weight, excluding books, exceeds 115,000 tons. The building covers an area of 19.5 thousand square meters, and the total volume of the structure exceeds 421 thousand cubic meters.
One of the building's unique features is its media facade, a LED screen with an area of 1,985 square meters. The lighting turns on every evening and operates until midnight, changing patterns and creating dynamic visual effects. This feature makes the library one of the key elements of the city's nighttime panorama.
The National Library of Belarus holds one of the largest collections of books and documents in the country. As of 2023, its collections numbered over 10.5 million items, including books, manuscripts, document microcopies, electronic and audiovisual materials. The collection covers more than 80 languages and includes both Belarusian publications and international documents. Among the collections are rare books, manuscripts, and early printed editions, with more than 90,000 items in total.
Today, the National Library of Belarus is not only a repository of books but also a multifunctional center offering a variety of services and opportunities for its visitors. The building is equipped with 17 reading rooms designed for 1,500 visitors. Special conditions are provided for users with disabilities: ramps, elevators, sanitary rooms, and mechanical lifts.
The library provides access to a vast database—by early 2023, users had access to 71 databases, including national, CIS, and foreign information resources. Readers can use services such as "Electronic Document Delivery," the "Virtual Legal Information Center," and other services available through the library’s internet portal.
One significant feature is the electronic library, which already contains almost 670,000 documents, making it the largest digital archive among Belarusian libraries. This allows remote users to access rare books, manuscripts, and other materials, as well as music and audio collections, which number tens of thousands of units.
The library is also an important socio-cultural and educational center. More than 200 events are held annually within its walls, including conferences, exhibitions, summits, and business meetings. The library has four art galleries ("Atrium," "Labyrinth," "Racurs," and "Panorama"), where permanent and temporary exhibitions are displayed. The Book Museum showcases more than 300 unique monuments of book art, including manuscripts and early printed editions, some dating back to the 15th century.
One of the most popular attractions for visitors is the observation deck located on the roof of the building. From a height of 73 meters, there is a panoramic view of Minsk. Visitors can take an elevator to the deck and walk across a glass bridge. Binoculars are provided for guests’ convenience, making the experience even more captivating. At the same level, there is a bar and one of the galleries, allowing visitors to enjoy the views and spend time in a comfortable environment.
The history of the new National Library building dates back to the late 1980s when architects Mikhail Vinogradov and Viktor Kramarenko developed the project for a building in the shape of a rhombicuboctahedron. This project won a national competition, but construction only began in 2002 and was completed in 2006. Today, the library is one of the brightest architectural symbols of Minsk and Belarus as a whole. In 2013, it was included in the list of "the most fantastic architectural works" by the American publication Flavorwire, and it has also appeared in Russian and international architectural publications.
National Library of Belarus (NLB) is not just a place for reading and studying books but also a cultural center that attracts tourists, researchers, and art lovers from all over the world. Its unique architecture, extensive collections, and modern technologies make it an important element of the country’s cultural landscape.
