Living memory of Switzerland for everyone
The Swiss National Library (NL) collects “Helvetica” – Swiss texts, images and sounds – and with its collections safeguards the collective memory of Switzerland. In collaboration with other institutions, it facilitates extensive access to the cultural heritage of the country. As a central memory institution, the National Library bridges the past via the present to the future.
Exhibitions
«Unlesbar»: Eine Ausstellung des Museums Strauhof und des Schweizerischen Literaturarchivs
In Zusammenarbeit mit dem Strauhof zeigt das Schweizerische Literaturarchiv in Zürich rätselhafte Dokumente.
- 2 October 2026 - 3 January 2027
Events
Réunion du Cercle d’études Starobinski 2026
Le 17 novembre 2026, le Cercle Jean Starobinski se réunit au Pavillon Le Corbusier pour une journée d’études consacrée à l’article «Le concept de nostalgie» paru il y a 60 ans dans la revue Diogène.
- 17 November 2026
- 14:00 - 18:15
Literarische Soirée: Nadj Abonji über Dürrenmatt
Melinda Nadj Abonji im Dialog über Friedrich Dürrenmatt
- 26 November 2026
- 19:00 - 21:00
Literarische Soirée: Robert Walsers Mikrogramme
In Kooperation mit der Villa Morillon und dem Robert Walser-Zentrum
- 2 December 2026
- 19:00 - 21:00
Collections
Gems
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In search of submerged sites
Growing demand for electricity led Switzerland to build more and more hydropower plants in the 20th century. People had to leave their homes, and the new lakes built in their place changed the face of the landscape.
A dual legacy: Friedrich Staub and the National Library
The Swiss National Library, founded in 1895, holds a private collection that fully reflects the mission of this institution while extending well beyond it. This collection was compiled by the father of the 'Schweizerisches Idiotikon'.
Von Brahms-Samstagen und Bruckner-Sonntagen
Die Leidenschaft für Musik durchzieht das Werk des Bündner Schriftstellers und Gelehrten Iso Camartin. Eine neue Musik-Sammlung im Archiv Camartins bezeugt seine Begeisterung.
Press releases and news
E-Books on Demand (EOD): end of year special offer
From 23 November to 6 December 2026 fourteen member libraries of the EOD network charge only 10 CHF or 10 euros* for the digitising and digital copy of out-of-copyright books stored in their collections.
Schenkung des Nachlasses von Jean Anouilh
Bern, 01.10.2026 — Im Frühjahr 2026 übergab Anouk Anouilh de Mestral den Nachlass ihres Vaters dem Schweizerischen Literaturarchiv, das zur Schweizerischen Nationalbibliothek gehört.
The Swiss National Library is moving!
From November 30, 2026, the Swiss National Library welcomes visitors at Monbijoustrasse 74 in Bern. Closed for relocation from October 31 to November 29, 2026.
Swiss National Library
3003 Bern