One of the most prized books in the library's collection is the Vulgate Bible of Aslak Bolt (1430–1450), Norway's only preserved liturgical handwritten manuscript from medieval times.

At the time most lending libraries charged a membership fee, making it impossible for poorer people to access them.

Among his innovations were the introduction of reading rooms and the addition of books for children and young people.

[2] It was designed by architectural firms Lundhagem and Atelier Oslo[3] Deichman Bjørvika opened to the public on 18 June 2020.

The building will also hold manuscripts contributed to the Future Library project, among them texts by Margaret Atwood and David Mitchell.