At the beginning of September 2025, the contractor officially handed over the thoroughly renovated library building to the National Library of Estonia. In October, they received the wonderful news that the National Library had been nominated for the annual award of the Estonian National Heritage Board in the category “Well-Restored Architectural Monument in Public Ownership.”
The Estonian National Heritage Board presents annual awards to thank and acknowledge the best contributors and exemplary efforts in the preservation and development of cultural heritage. During a public call for ideas, anyone may submit candidates for the competition. From the submitted proposals, nominees and laureates are selected by a jury consisting of experts in the field, representatives of advisory councils, and employees of the Heritage Board.
At the Heritage Board’s annual awards gala, the laureates are announced, and the vitality of heritage — as well as those who preserve it with dedication — is celebrated. The 2025 gala took place at the National Library of Estonia — the youngest building under heritage protection in the country – and it was honoured at this year’s ceremony with the award in the category “Well-Restored Architectural Monument in Public Ownership.”
The award’s accompanying words were as follows: “If a home is a person’s fortress, then a library is the fortress of society. The National Library building embodies this idea quite aptly. During the extensive restoration work, the interior of the fortress was made brighter and cosier, so that the building is at once a stronghold of the city and a refuge.”
Upon accepting the award, the Director General of the Library, Martin Öövel, said: ”It is a pleasure to accept this award right here in the National Library, which brings together the memory of the Estonian people, the knowledge of the world, and now, timelessly, will be a place where all of our inspiration meets.”
The National Library is deeply honoured to receive the award and extends its gratitude to all partners who contributed to the renovation process and helped preserve the vitality of their heritage.