Libraries of the University of Latvia Library of University of Latvia dates back to 1862 when the first higher education institution in the country - Riga Polytechnic, was founded. In 1919, the University of Latvia was founded on the basis of the Riga Polytechnical Institute. Initially, the faculty libraries were created, while the Central Library of the University of Latvia was established in 1920. The Kalpaka Blvd. 4 was built in 1874 for the mayor of Riga Ludwig Wilhelm Kerkoviuss (1931-1904). The building was constructed by the first Latvian architect Janis Baumanis (1834–1891). J. Baumanis is the author of almost the third part of all buildings
National Library of Latvia National Library of Latvia The National Library of Latvia () also known as Castle of Light ("Gaismas pils") is a national cultural institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture of Latvia. The National Library of Latvia was formed in 1919 after the independent Republic of Latvia was proclaimed in 1918. The first supervisor of the Library was Jānis Misiņš, a librarian and the founder of the Latvian scientific bibliography (1862–1945). Today the Library plays an important role in the development of Latvia's information society, providing Internet access to residents and supporting research and lifelong education. The National Library