CENL brings together the National Libraries of Europe.

Europe’s National Libraries – The memory of a continent

Introduction

National libraries collect and preserve the written, published and recorded output of their nations, and make it accessible to users in the present day and far into the future.

Europe’s national libraries are as varied and diverse as the nations whose memories they hold.

CENL, the Conference of European National Librarians, brings these great institutions together to celebrate and promote the importance of national libraries across the continent, creating opportunities to meet and work together to exchange knowledge, foster professional excellence and build mutual understanding.

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News & Events

Read news on our Member Libraries and CENL. Events are happening across our Member Libraries, discover what’s on.

11th April 2025

SKE Bursary for the National Library of Latvia

8th April 2025

The National Library of Moldova hosts EUNIC Round Table

7th April 2025

The National Library commemorates the centenary of the establishment of the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research in Vilnius

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Explore

The Austrian National Library

The Austrian National Library is the largest library in Austria, with more than 12 million items in its eight collections. The reading rooms of the library are located mainly in the Neue Burg Wing of the Hofburg Palace in the center of Vienna and in the various collections. The historic library, a majestic, 300 year old baroque buidling („The State Hall“) with more than 200,000 historic books is also part of the Austrian National Library within the Hofburg Palace complex, and attracts each year more than 500,000 visitors worldwide.

The National Library of Latvia

The National Library of Latvia is a centre of theoretical research and practical analyses of the activities of Latvian libraries. The Library carries out the functions of the centre of Latvia Interlibrary Loan, ensures the library and information service to the Parliament of the Republic of Latvia – the Saeima, implements the standardisation of the branch.

Who’s involved

CENL is a network of 46 National Libraries in 45 European countries

Members of CENL are the national librarians of the member states of the Council of Europe. Since 1987, CENL has worked to advance the cause of Europe’s national libraries, reinforcing our special role in preserving the continent’s cultural heritage and making it accessible to all.