The Croatian National Library

The Croatian National Library is located in the country’s capital, Zagreb, and also acts as the central library for the University of Zagreb. The library began as part of a Jesuit Gymnasium (a type of grammar school) in 1606. In 1669, Adam Baltazar Krcelic donated a collection of books and manuscripts to the library, with the understanding that they be made available to the public.

In 1874, when the University in Zagreb opened, the library was renamed the University Library, to reflect its role in the school. At this time, the collection was combined with that of the National Museum.

A new building was constructed in 1913. It was designed to hold 500,000 volumes (the collection then stood at 110,000 volumes). A year later, the books contained in Metropolitana, the Archiepiscopal library, were added to the collection. Upon the completion of the current library facility, the old building was donated to the National Archives. Despite the fact that there is a special secured area in the new building available for the Metropolitana collection, they have opted to remain in the older building.

Construction on the current building began in 1988. The library's website mentions that the new building is similar to English libraries, with open access to the materials, and an open design that brings the outdoors in. Construction of the library took place while the country was fighting a civil war. Although many materials of historical and cultural value were removed to a remote location for safekeeping, the library itself remained open, and only closed for one day during the war.

The new building opened in 1995, as part of the celebration of the fifth anniversary of Croatian independence. The collection now includes more than 2.5 million books and other materials. As the national library, they are committed to preserving the written and printed Croatian cultural heritage. As part of this mission, they collect copies of all books written by Croats (regardless of language in which they are written), all books printed in the Croatian language, and books written about Croatia and Croats. Their special collections include manuscripts and old books, music and maps. In 2007 they had 19,372 members, who made 320,000 visits to the library.

References:

Miletic-Vejzovic, L. (1994). The national and university library in Zagreb: The goal is known - how can it be attained? Special Libraries, 85, 104-112.

(2005). About the library. Retrieved from http://www.nsk.hr/

(2007). National and university library, Zagreb. Retrieved from http://www.cerl.org/web/en/resources/hpb/content/national_and_university_library_zagreb