National Library of Israel: A Cutting-Edge Architectural Landmark and Center of Knowledge

Jerusalem, Israel ✈

I recently took a guided tour of the newly constructed National Library of Israel in Jerusalem. The building is located near the intersection of Rupin and Kaplan streets in the Givat Ram neighborhood, not far from the Israel Museum. From the library, you get a clear view of the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, as well as the Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls.

The National Library wasn’t always in this location. It was originally situated at the Givat Ram campus of the Hebrew University. The decision to build a new, independent building reflects the institution's growing role as a national archive and research facility.

The National Library of Israel holds over 5 million books in its collection. In addition to books, the library also houses manuscripts, periodicals, maps, music, archival materials, and various digital resources. Its collection is one of the most comprehensive in the world for materials related to Jewish and Israeli history, culture, and scholarship. The library’s new robotic automated storage system is designed to manage and retrieve items efficiently from this vast collection.

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“What really stood out was the library's new automated book retrieval system. After the tour, I signed up for a library card so I could check it out for myself. The system uses four robots, which are tasked with retrieving books from the vast storeroom whenever someone places an order.”

The library’s collections are dedicated to preserving the cultural, historical, and intellectual heritage of Israel and the Jewish people. There are also exhibits, some permanent and some rotating, that showcase rare items from the library’s archives. In addition to exhibitions, visitors can access reading rooms, participate in educational programs, or attend public events and lectures.

During the tour, I was struck by the building's architectural design. The space feels open and modern, with large windows that allow natural light to flood the interior. The tour guide explained how the design aimed to make the library accessible and inviting while also representing the idea of openness to knowledge.

The architect of the new building is the Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron, known for their innovative and striking architectural designs. They worked in collaboration with Israeli architectural firm Mansfeld Kehat Architects to bring the project to life. Herzog & de Meuron are renowned for their work on cultural institutions around the world, and their design for the National Library reflects a modern interpretation of a public space for learning and culture, while also integrating the building into the unique context of Jerusalem’s landscape.

The architecture of the new building is designed to be a landmark in Jerusalem, blending modernity with elements of the surrounding city. The exterior of the building has a unique, rounded structure that stands out from the more traditional, angular buildings around it. Its stone facade was chosen to echo the historical and cultural significance of Jerusalem, with materials that complement the city's iconic white stone.

The roof of the building is one of its most striking features. It’s designed with an organic, wave-like form, symbolizing the flow of knowledge. This flowing design is also meant to evoke a sense of openness and inclusivity, inviting people from all walks of life to engage with the library’s vast resources.

Inside, the architecture continues to impress. The design focuses on creating a sense of openness, with large windows offering sweeping views of the city, including the Knesset and the Israel Museum. Natural light is a key element, filling the spaces through these windows and skylights, reducing the need for artificial lighting and creating a bright, airy atmosphere that’s conducive to study and exploration.

The interiors feature clean lines and minimalist design elements, which emphasize the library’s role as a place for learning and discovery rather than as a grand monument. There are spacious reading rooms, flexible workspaces, and open areas designed for collaboration and quiet reflection. The use of light wood, glass, and metal creates a warm yet modern environment.

Additionally, the building is designed with sustainability in mind. Energy-efficient systems are incorporated throughout, and the architecture balances the need for a high-tech facility with environmental concerns, using eco-friendly materials where possible.

The combination of innovative design and practical functionality makes the new National Library building not just a repository of knowledge, but also an architectural statement that reflects its role in modern Israeli society.

What really stood out was the library's new automated book retrieval system. After the tour, I signed up for a library card so I could check it out for myself. The system uses four robots, which are tasked with retrieving books from the vast storeroom whenever someone places an order. These robots are part of an effort to efficiently manage the library’s vast collections, allowing quick access to even the most obscure volumes. It was fascinating to see the robots in action, a glimpse into the future of library technology.

Like many modern libraries with automated storage systems, including the National Library of Israel, a low-oxygen environment is used in the storeroom to reduce the risk of fire. This technique, called hypoxic fire prevention, involves lowering the oxygen levels in the storage area to below what is needed to sustain combustion. By doing this, the risk of fire is greatly reduced, while still allowing safe access for the robots to retrieve books.

In addition to the automated retrieval system, this fire prevention method is part of the library's overall strategy to protect its valuable collection, which includes rare and irreplaceable materials. The combination of cutting-edge technology with advanced fire safety measures ensures the long-term preservation of the library's holdings.

One notable aspect of the National Library of Israel is its mission to be more than just a repository of books. It aims to serve as a cultural center, engaging the public through exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and even concerts. The library also has a special focus on digitizing its vast collections, making rare manuscripts and documents accessible to the global public online.

During the tour, I learned that the library's collection includes not only materials in Hebrew but also in dozens of other languages, reflecting Israel’s diverse population and the global nature of Jewish history. The library also holds a significant collection of Islamic and Middle Eastern cultural materials, further broadening its scope.

A particularly interesting section of the library is the Haim and Hanna Solomon Judaica Collection, one of the largest in the world, containing rare books and manuscripts related to Jewish life, thought, and culture.

The tour also highlighted the library’s role in preserving not just printed works but also multimedia collections, including recordings of Israeli radio, television programs, and music. This shows how the library is evolving to preserve modern forms of media in addition to traditional texts.

Finally, the library’s public spaces were designed to encourage interaction and participation, with open access to exhibitions and reading rooms for both casual visitors and researchers. This approach is part of a broader vision to make the National Library a dynamic center for knowledge and cultural exchange.

For a guided tour, visit the library's site: Guided Tours

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