Stockholm Public Library image

Stockholm Public Library

Bar Tourist attraction Public library Library

Designed by Gunnar Asplund in 1928, this redbrick library contains over 2 million volumes. People often mention library, books, Stockholm, beautiful, book, work, visit, read, building, Swedish,


Address

Odengatan 53, 113 50 Stockholm, Sweden

Website

biblioteket.stockholm.se

Contact

+46 8 508 309 00

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (1.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 1 to 7 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Friday: 12 to 4 pm
  • Saturday: 12 to 4 pm
  • Sunday: 12 to 4 pm
  • Monday: 10 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: library (27) books (19) Stockholm (16) beautiful (10) book (8) work (8) visit (7) read (7) building (7) Swedish (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Khrystyna 11 months ago on Google
    Good place to visit, a lot of old books. I even saw a book published in 1916 and you can touch them, read, etc. Also, you can find any book online and print it for free directly in the bibliotek
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 I B. 1 year ago on Google • 732 reviews
    This library is full of little interesting facts. There is a spot right in the middle on the floor under the dome where your sounds are amplified back at you. There are also little gold foundations where pens used to be cleaned. This place seems like the perfect place work ! It is cosy but spacious, clean and a smart place to get work done. The library is simply gorgeous and a place I could happily spend hours and hours in.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dan H. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful gem of a building by Asplund. the approach from the Observatorielunden park is fantastic, with the striking orange color of the exterior immediately centering your attention and drawing you towards the library. The famous interior of the main lobby space lives up to its reputation— a democratic grand hall in which the books themselves take on the job of ornamentation. the reading rooms to the sides are given equal consideration by the architect.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pier Around The W. 1 year ago on Google
    A very nice experience. I really like libraries mostly because of the peaceful atmosphere. The Stockholm one is very peculiar in its shape and it’s a classic example of Nordic Classicism architecture. I do recommend a quick visit, you will feel refreshed and rejuvenated!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Momo W. 7 months ago on Google • 204 reviews
    Such a beautiful library!!! It's a moment of ''wow'' that you'll get when you get inside. So pretty so quiet. It's the best place to read books.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gen L. 8 months ago on Google • 27 reviews
    #mylibraryobsession there’s always a place that calms you down - for me this is the library. Among all the libraries in the cities I lived in (even on a trip), Stockholm’s is small and kinda Scandinavian - comfortable and cozy. It’s my first stop in Sweden for a reason.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexia A. 3 months ago on Google • 23 reviews New
    Love this library and the staff are so kind. I lost my phone once and I called to see if they had any lost phones. They held it for me and rushed all the way to the janitor to get when I came the day after. ❤
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lady Z. 2 years ago on Google
    The Swedish temple of books. This is the heart of the Stockholm city library system with an astoundingly impressive collection of foreign language materials. Currently undergoing renovation so some areas are closed. It is possible to get a temporary library card with a valid ID if you don't have a Swedish personnummer, it's worth asking at the desk. Having access to ample literature I could read was a godsend.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rob 1 year ago on Google
    Für einen Zwischenstopp sollte man bei der Stadtbibliothek auf jeden Fall vorbeischauen. Man kann einfach so reingehen und braucht kein Ticket / Ausweis oder so. Drinnen gibt es einen tollen Blick auf den rund angelegten Raum. Man kann auf mehreren Ebene herumlaufen. Wirklich toll!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 I am Q. 1 year ago on Google • 1158 reviews
    A magnificent and fascinating circular building that enchants the visitor with the shelves filled with books. The astonishing collection of books surrounds you once you are inside the hall. The library is on three floors. There are spots for reading books or studying. There are printers and copiers if needed. You can also borrow a computer if you want. There is a small cafe next to the main entrance in case you need to eat a sandwich or drink a cup of coffee or tea. Friendly and helpful librarians who help the visitor with various questions. It is easy to become a member and easy to borrow books.

  • 5/5 Shahzad A. 1 year ago on Google
    Most people who are influenced by my work ask this question. And my answer is always that I studied at the Stockholm Stadsbibliotek (Stockholm Library). Well, no one believes me, but this is the truth. From Stockholm Library, I upgraded myself from web 1.0 to web 2.0. And now, 17 years later, I'm returning to the library to upgrade from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0, but I'm astonished to find that they don't have any books on Web 3.0 in stock. However, I have requested a list of books that the library can bring.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Abdulkarim A. 4 months ago on Google • 203 reviews
    Gunnar Asplund's design of Stockholm's Public Library in the 1920s marked a transition between Neoclassicism and Rationalism in European architecture. The library, completed in 1928, was a fusion of classical and modern elements, influenced by a desire to create a national identity in Swedish architecture. Asplund's library design was monumental, featuring a cylindrical reading room with three terraced levels of open shelving. The central cylinder's walls, reaching the full height of 42 meters, were adorned with roughly stuccoed finishes and illuminated by a ring of windows near the flat ceiling. The reading room was reminiscent of both Etienne Louis-Boullée's work and the Roman Pantheon. While Asplund's architectural contemporaries included Walter Gropius, Mies van der Rohe, and Le Corbusier, his work earned him a significant place in Sweden's architectural history. The Stockholm Public Library became a defining structure in Swedish architecture during a time of transition, reflecting Sweden's shift from National Romanticism to rational Modernism. This iconic library was a product of Sweden's evolving architectural landscape, emphasizing both national heritage and global influences, and symbolized the nation's architectural identity during a period of uncertainty and transformation. Note: This library has been recognized as one of the world's most beautiful libraries by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Furthermore, it welcomes visitors at any time of the day.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 JHC L. 1 year ago on Google
    Sadly the famous Rotunda part of the library was under maintenance work and was covered for the whole part. Not sure how long the maintenance work will last, but the rest of the library space is still open, and there is a small cafe on the first floor, so if you’re in the area and is looking for a quiet place to read, this will be a nice choice!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jungho C. 1 year ago on Google
    It is the amazing libarary in Stockholm But, it was under the construction and being remodeled Good to visit during trip
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karina K. 6 months ago on Google
    Loved this library so much!! We went on a Saturday and there was even a queue for entering!! Inside it’s absolutely marvellous, even simply to walk around and admire the architecture!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David F. 10 months ago on Google
    Beautiful building, just down the road from Odenplan, with a delicious cafe, friendly staff & large collections, including “easy reading” Swedish books for those of us who want to get better at the language! Lovey experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Valerie De P. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the better Libraries of Stockholm. I mean they make it so accessible and easy to loan books and read. I love the system and have been able to save so much money because of it. I wish I could see what the environment is like when not in renovation. But I have heard it is a great place to study or read. I would recommend this or the kings library.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nikolai S. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing architecture in this Library in Stockholm. Remember to SEE the childrens rm into the legat all the way inn. Look up in the roof, and the sky with all the stars are painted there. Amazing for children and grown ups alike. This is a must see if you visit Stockholm.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 ahojtadyadela 2 years ago on Google
    Under construction, but it's really beautiful, I was there 2 years ago.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 &Tilly [. 3 years ago on Google
    Huge place, huge selection, just the right library atmosphere- and so much to look at. Loved the place, a must-see even for tourists. Inspired me to buy a couple of books I found there later on. Toilets are paid (just wanted to say that, too).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Belgin S. 1 year ago on Google • 367 reviews
    Amazing building. Very clean, cozy, relaxed atmosphere. If I would live in Stockholm I would be a regular visitor of this library. Also big and nice kid's section. Must see in Stockholm!

  • 5/5 Guilherme 4 months ago on Google • 159 reviews
    Beautiful! They are doing some works in the Rotunda but you can still take good pictures.

  • 5/5 Ed 1 month ago on Google • 62 reviews New
    A beautiful library worth a visit. Well designed with the rotating levels and truly showcases awesome Swedish design.

  • 3/5 Robert M. 3 months ago on Google • 54 reviews New
    Not so many quiet study areas and the bathrooms cost money. Borrowing and returning is easy though.

  • 5/5 Sherin R. 1 year ago on Google
    Beauty to eyes, enrichment to mind..A must visit place & if you have personal number at Sweden you get the membership in just 5 minutes & you could borrow 50 books, yes you read right it is 50 at once for 4 weeks free of cost. Books on different languages & journal are available too.

  • 5/5 VLAJKO P. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing building, from outside little simple, but inside very beautiful... You must be quite... You can stay inside whenever you want... You can find books, magazine and other... People who work there is so kind... All recommendations

  • 5/5 Amir Hossein H. 2 years ago on Google
    Greatest library in the Stockholm! The best place for book lovers. This building divided into the 3 part. 1. Ground floor 2. Kids section 3. The Rotundan You can find almost every book that you wish for. Best place for study and reading. You can also use computers that are placed there for free and without booking time.

  • 5/5 Denise T. 1 year ago on Google
    A great example of the Swedish Grace architectural style on the outside and a beautiful circular building full of books on the inside, I'd definitely recommend a visit when in Stockholm.

  • 5/5 Ewa W. 2 years ago on Google
    I have registered in this particular library as a user, the staff was so friendly and helpful. The selection is really good, including books in English, and I can loan so many books at once. The loan and return process is also very conveniently automated. Also, more generally speaking about book loaning system in Stockholm libraries, I appreciate the book reservation system as well, allowing me to search for a book in the library's online database and request to deliver it to my library of choice. But I also like to drop in more spontaneously and browse through different titles, there is always something I can choose.

  • 5/5 Eliza 5 months ago on Google
    Very nice place; I wish I am a student to use this library more often.

  • 5/5 Erna P. 1 year ago on Google
    Very beautiful library with a wide variety of books in foreign languages (English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Hebrew,....)

  • 4/5 Paul Y. 1 year ago on Google
    What a waste. Would have been a beautiful photo moment. Should revisit after the refurbishment.

  • 4/5 Umar M. 1 year ago on Google
    It was under construction when I visited. I can imagine it would have been beautiful without all the scaffolding

  • 5/5 Anastasia D. 1 month ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    It was one of the most beautiful libraries I have ever seen in my life!!! So inspiring… people in different target groups rejoice with the company of a book or newspaper!!! No ticket needed… I highly recommend it😊
    1 person found this review helpful 👍


Call +46 8 508 309 00 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Assistive hearing loop
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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