Jun 11, 2020 14:57 CEST

Welcome to the new public library ofOslo, Norway – Deichman Bjørvika

The library of the future is finally ready to open for the public of Oslo and allvisitors to the Norwegian capital. Located between Oslo Central Station andthe Oslo Opera House, Deichman Bjørvika is an extension of the 235 yearhistory of the public library of Oslo. It will also be an exploration of what alibrary can be.

Stretching over six floors and 13, 500 square meters (approx. 145 000 squarefeet) you will find books – 450,000 of them – but also other offers andactivities. You can visit the children’s section with all its playful hiding places,watch movies with your friends, make podcasts, learn to play the piano, sew a

dress, use the 3D printers, enjoy the view of the Oslo Fjord or just admire thearchitecture by Lundhagem Architects and Atelier Oslo.

The original plan was to open Deichman Bjørvika to the public on March 28th2020. However, Covid-19 and the national lockdown in March put a stop tothat. In a week’s time, on June 18, Library Director Knut Skansen can finallylet patrons and visitors into the new main library.

“We are looking forward to letting this house fill with people. Opening abuilding such as this in Oslo is a great event. Finally the people of Oslo andvisitors can come to us and start using the library. We are looking forward toshow people this building which we are so proud of. I think people will beproud themselves because this is after all their building”, says Skansen.

Two million visitors

Deichman Bjørvika’s ambition is to host two million visitors each year, in aCovid- free situation. Among the safety measures in regards to infectioncontrol is a limit on the number of visitors who can be present in the libraryat the same time: 1,000, compared to the usual limit of 3,000. This limit hasbeen set in consultation with local infection control authorities.

Increased loans and number of visits

Whoever finds libraries old-fashioned will have to think again. People enjoylibraries. From 2013 to 2019 Deichman experienced a 43 percent increase ofthe number of visitors. The reasons for these percentages are extendedopening hours, upgraded and modernized facilities and a wide range ofactivities.

“It’s great to be here in this library that we have worked so hard for. I amproud of how the City Government of Oslo and the City of Oslo can offer this.The new main library is an addition to the other new and upgraded librariesin the city. We want Deichman Bjørvika to make literature, love of reading,and knowledge available to more people. With that we want to strengthendemocracy and cultural heritage, and to even out social differences in oursociety”, says Vice Mayor for Culture and Sport, Rina Mariann Hansen.

Opening June 18th

Deichman Bjørvika opens Thursday June 18th at 5PM. The opening ceremonyis a short, closed event with 200 guests, but it will be livestreamed onDeichman Bjørvika’s Facebook page. After the ceremony the library will beopen to the public. Confirmed guests to the ceremony are H.R.H. CrownPrince Haakon of Norway, Mayor of Oslo Marianne Borgen, Governing Mayorof Oslo Raymond Johansen and Vice Mayor for Culture and Sport RinaMariann Hansen. Authors Camara Joof and Lars Saabye Christensen will bereading a prologue to the library. Musical performances will be given byMaria Lotus and Lars Lillo-Stenberg and the Norwegian National OperaChildren’s Chorus.

Opening hours for Deichman Bjørvika:

• Monday to Friday: 8AM to 10PM

• Weekends: 10AM to 6PM

• June 18th: 5PM to midnight (open for the public after theceremony, which will be streamed on Facebook)

Deichman is the agency for the public libraries in the city of Oslo. Founded in1785, it consists of 22 branches all over Oslo and is Norway's largest andoldest public library. A Deichman library is a haven for you, no matter whoyou are; where you can read, work, relax, meet friends, or just be alone. Youcan borrow from our collection of over a million books, movies, CDs andother material. There is free wireless internet, and free access to computersand workshop tools. All you pay for is the paper and materials used when youprint or copy. Our libraries are meeting places where you can experience orarrange everything from concerts and cartoon festivals to language coursesand political debates. Deichman wants to contribute to a society whereeveryone has a sense of belonging, ownership and commitment – towardsboth the community and their own lives. No matter why you come here, youwill leave with something.

Contacts

Jørn Johansen Press ContactHead of Communications DeichmanDeichman Public Library, Oslojorn.johansen@deichman.no+47 900 97 250+47 23 43 29 00

Kjersti TubaasPress ContactDirector of Communications Culture Affairskjersti.tubaas@kul.oslo.kommune.no +47 924 42 884