Estonian National Library completes move of 3.4 million items back into storage
The National Library of Estonia has finished returning its 3.4-million-item collection to storage in its Tõnismäe building in Tallinn, which is being renovated. The library is set to reopen to the public on 28 May 2027.
The National Library of Estonia has completed a major undertaking: moving books, music and art collections, periodicals, sheet music, maps and other printed materials back into storage at its Tõnismäe building in Tallinn.
Kaire Lass, chief custodian at the library, said staff had to unpack more than 62,000 cardboard boxes of materials and fill 21 storage rooms, while art collection works were moved into a 22nd storage room. Unpacking the cultural heritage collections took 158 days.
Rarest books shelved last
The rarest books were placed on the shelves last. The collection includes nearly 40,000 books, the oldest of which dates from the late 15th century.
The unpacking was carried out by National Library staff together with 60 volunteers. Lass said the next stage will be placing the open-access collections on shelves.
Alongside the move, preparations have been underway for the library's new services and for furnishing the restored 45,000-square-metre building.
The National Library of Estonia is scheduled to reopen on 28 May 2027.
