The Oslo Public Library, also know as the Deichman, it probably the best modern library I've ever…read moreseen in my life. Located right next to the picturesque opera house, the 6 floors of this engineering and interior design marvel are filled with creatively-made tables/seats/shelves/cubbies--everything. Obviously there are like a fafillion books to keep even the bookiest of worms busy for an eternity. You can't say you've fully explored Oslo without checking out this building.

Technically a library, and certainly used as such by locals, Deichman Bjørvika is an arhitectural…read moremasterpiece no less impressive than the famous Opera House next door. Spread across six floors with mixed media used to create seating of various styles the combination of traditional books and e-media is very impressive while staff is very accommodating.

Past and future…read more The National Library of Norway was opened in 2005, exactly 100 hundred years after Norway's liberation from Sweden. The library is presently under some external restoration work that will be completed soon. The purpose of this wonderful library is to keep, preserve and categorize everything Norwegian. To make it even more ambitious, they are attempting to digitalize the entire collection. Probably won't complete everything but much of it will eventually be done. The inside is stunning, lovely and amazing. Huge murals, sculptures and other pieces art are scattered around, and beautiful, massive and old card catalogs are in various spots around library. Of course since they are preserving the Norwegian culture, most of the material is in Norwegian. But that didn't matter to us because it is such a grand, elegant and wonderful building. The motto on the library is, "To Preserve the Past for the Future". And they are doing a great job of keeping the past alive for future generations.

Very big, actually Bigger than it looks. Great place to get some studying done, if you keep in mind…read morethat it might be hard for you to find an outlet. Your best chance in the lower floor. But very quiet and reasonable hours, and as you can imagine, always packed with students and teachers

Due to the lack of extended opening hours, I only visited twice this public library…read more The selection of materials was in Norwegian. You could also access music. It was free to register with your passport with a Norwegian address, your bank account with a picture and your birth date. The public library was at the left of the movie theater and a short walk from a huge shopping center by Norwegian standards.