THE CASTLE OF LIGHT AND LIGHTNET
The Latvian National Library Project is one of the most ambitious and spectacular modern library projects in Europe, if not the world. The project encompasses a new multifunctional information centre in Riga (The Castle of Light) designed by internationally acclaimed architect Gunnar Birkerts, and a national on-line library information network (Lightnet) which electronically links all of Latvia's municipal libraries with the new central library and academic libraries.
In 1999, UNESCO passed a resolution in support of the Latvian National Library project, stating, '
"Considering the intention of the national authorities to make the National Library of Latvia a multifunctional centre contributing to the safeguarding and promotion of cultural heritage, providing access to educational, scientific and cultural information, and encouraging cultural diversity and inter-ethnic knowledge and understanding, Conscious of the importance of this project for cultural development and co-operation in Latvia and the Baltic region as a whole, Calls upon the Member States and international community to provide all possible support for the implementation of this project."
UNESCO has extended such support for a library project only once before - the famous library of Alexandria, built in 2002.
The Saeima (Parliament of Latvia) has passed a Law on the Realisation of the National Library of Latvia Project. The project has broad political and popular support in Latvia, and the Latvian Government has committed to raise the estimated funds needed to construct the new library building and create the Lightnet.
In addition, The Latvian National Library Foundation was created in 1998 to raise funds in Latvia and internationally for this project. The Foundation includes over 150 prominent public figures representing the humanities, architecture, journalism, science, universities, the IT sector and the arts.
You will find detailed information on all aspects of the Castle of Light, Lightnet, the Latvian library system and other related subjects in this web page. Because of the international importance of this project, The Foundation has developed a program that allows international institutions, governments, groups, foundations, corporations and individuals to support the project financially. Supporters can literally become a part of the library itself by sponsoring furniture, rooms, halls and other sections of the Castle of Light. By lending their support, their names will become a permanent part of this unique educational establishment.
The Castle of Light is more than just a national library and information system for Latvia. It is an innovative new approach to the way information is gathered, organized, stored and made available to the public. Join us in helping Latvia lead the way into the information society of the 21st century!
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