National Library Renewal

‘The new NLI is a visionary project aimed at creating an institution at the cutting edge of what is humanly possible in the world of knowledge and the forms of cultural creativity that knowledge informs. Even apart from its transformative role in the cultural life of Israelis and Jews throughout the world, it will also make a singular contribution, together with other great repositories of knowledge, to the ongoing universal effort to cultivate, care for, and open up the treasures of the global cultural heritage.’ 
– The Rebuilding of the National Library of Israel: Meaning and Rationale, David Shulman and Vardit Tokatly

‘The renewal of the National Library in this period of change provides an extraordinary opportunity to define the balance between physical and virtual space and the character of a revitalized National Library’
– Lord Rothschild’s speech at the launch of the NLI renewal, 27.3.2011

The National Library of Israel collects, preserves, disseminates and imparts treasures of creativity, heritage and knowledge that reflect the diverse cultural, geographic and historical tapestry of the Land of Israel, the State of Israel and the Jewish people.  
 

Yad Hanadiv, in cooperation with the Government of Israel, is supporting renewal of the National Library that will enable it to fulfil its 21st century mission: openness and accessibility of the Library holdings to communities of scholars and the public at the Library’s new home and via the Internet.

The signing in March 2011 of the National Library Charter, which gives expression to the Library’s vision and goals, marked the official launch of the renewal project. A centrepiece of the process is the construction of a world-class building designed by the Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron. Mann Shinar Architects and Urban Planners serve as the local architect. The cornerstone for the new National Library of Israel building was laid on 5 April 2016, on a site allocated by the Government, adjacent to the Knesset. The new building will provide facilities appropriate to the cultural, educational and research activities of the Library, alongside expanding digital capabilities which extend the Library’s reach well beyond its physical base.

Yad Hanadiv works hand in hand with the National Library to advance digital strategy and platforms that enable access to its collections.