Library Visits

6 April, Sunday

12:00–18:00 Library Visits: Ulbroka and Ogre Libraries

(Guided bus tour: €15 per person)

For early arrivals, we are pleased to offer two special library visits to the Ulbroka and Ogre library. Discover the unique services and community roles of these libraries in Latvia.

Ulbroka Library

The Ulbroka library is special for its centrally arranged shelves in the library lending area and the reading room named after the local poet and translator Pēteris Brūveris, in which the spirit of this outstanding personality is felt through texts, images and the written word. The library is among the applicants for the IFLA “Public Library of the Year” award  2021 (in architecture). Architecturally the library is particular for the lighting design reminiscent of Latvian symbols and the belt made for the 125th anniversary of the Stopiņi municipality (now rural territory)  which reaches up to 37 metres and is displayed in the library.

Distance from Riga  – 15 km

Ogre library

Nominated for the IFLA Public Library of the Year award in 2022, the Ogre Central Library has garnered recognition both in Latvia and internationally. It is considered one of the most modern and beautiful libraries in the Baltics, seamlessly combining sustainability principles with contemporary services. By 2025, the Ogre Central Library aims to focus on collaboration, continuous growth, and ensuring the accessibility of its services.

Distance from Riga – 38 km.

Important Information:

The library visit will be conducted by bus with a maximum capacity of 50 participants, on a first-come, first-served basis.The cost is €15 per person (not included in the conference registration fee)

Pre-registration is required, and the visit will only take place if a minimum of 30 participants sign up.

If we reach 50 participants and have an additional 50 people interested, we will arrange a second bus. This will only be confirmed if we can fill the second bus.

If you're interested in joining, please select this option on your registration form.

Bus departure details: The bus will be ready for boarding from 11:30 at the National Library of Latvia, near Valguma Street (to the right of the main entrance).

9 April, Wednesday

15.30-18.00   Library of the University of Latvia and campus visit

(Free guided tour – a walking tour starting from the National Library of Latvia, accompanied by a guide.)

At the Academic Center of the University of Latvia, you can find the libraries of the House of Natural Sciences and the House of Science, which are accessible to the UL community 24/7. These libraries offer the latest information resources and self-service facilities.

The Library of the House of Science has a self-service device for portable computers. UL student or employee ID card is required to use the equipment. The open-plan design of the libraries is seamlessly integrated into the building environment.

Currently, both libraries provide a state-of-the-art study and research environment for two faculties – the Faculty of Science and Technology and the Faculty of Medicine and the Life Sciences and 10 institutes.

The House of Nature has received several awards: the Best Building of the Year in Latvia 2015 in the nomination of Public New Construction, the Most Sustainable Building in Latvia 2017, and the Humanitarian Building of the Year 2015 award from the non-governmental organization Apeirons, which advocates for the interests of people with disabilities.