Everything you borrow at the library in Norway is free. The law states that all municipalities must have a public library, and books and other media must be free for everyone living in the country. Here you'll see what you can access — from books in your own language to language cafes — and how to get a library card.
What does it cost to use a library in Norway?
Using a library in Norway is free. The Public Libraries Act (folkebibliotekloven) § 1 states that libraries must provide books and other media "free to everyone living in the country." The law also requires that all municipalities have a public library (§ 4), and that the library be an independent meeting place for conversation and debate.
There is no membership fee, and you don't need to buy anything to sit there. One thing you should know: if you return books late, the library can charge a late fee. Rules vary from municipality to municipality, so check the deadlines on your loan receipt or on the library's website.
How to get a library card
The library card is free. You get it at your local library by showing valid identification, such as a passport, national ID card or Norwegian driver's license. Anyone living in Norway can become a borrower, and children can get their own card — often with a parent's signature.
Ask for a national library card. It works at public libraries across the country, not just in your municipality. Through the Biblioteksøk service, you can also order books from other libraries in Norway and pick them up at your local library — at no cost. You can also return borrowed books at a different library than where you borrowed them.
What can you do without a library card?
You don't need a library card to use the library — only to take items home. Anyone can enter, sit down and read newspapers, magazines and books for free. You can use the wireless internet, work on your own laptop, or attend open events.
This makes the library one of the few places in Norway where you can spend time indoors without paying anything. If you're new to the country and want to save money, this is worth knowing. Feel free to bring the children — the children's section is open to everyone.
Can I borrow books in my own language?
Yes. The Multilingual Library (Det flerspråklige bibliotek), a service from the National Library (Nasjonalbiblioteket), has books, films and language courses in over 50 languages — including Ukrainian, Arabic, Polish, Somali, Tigrinya, Russian and Persian. Your local library can order book packages from it, completely free.
Ask the staff at the counter. Many libraries also have their own shelves with books in the most common languages in the municipality, as well as easy books in Norwegian for those learning the language.
Free Norwegian training and language cafes
Many libraries organize language cafes: a free, informal gathering where you practice speaking Norwegian with volunteers and other participants. You usually don't need to sign up — just show up. It's one of the easiest ways to get conversation practice, and you can combine it with other offers to learn Norwegian for free in Norway.
The language cafe is also a meeting place. Many newcomers to Norway say it's difficult to get to know people. The library is a natural place to start — feel free to read our advice on building a network when you're new to Norway.
Offers for children and families
Libraries are great for families. The children's section has books, comics and often free events such as story time and homework help. In the summer, children in grades 1–7 can participate in Sommerles, a free reading campaign that in 2026 runs from 1 June to 31 August. Children register on sommerles.no with an adult and collect points and prizes by reading — e-books and audiobooks count too.
A tip from libraries: read to your children in their mother language. A strong mother language makes it easier for children to learn Norwegian, and the library can provide children's books in many languages.
If your family wants to borrow more than books, there are also equipment centers where you can borrow sports equipment for free through BUA.
More than books: e-books, newspapers and after-hours access
Your library card gives you more than physical books. Most libraries offer free e-books and audiobooks through their own apps, and many provide digital access to Norwegian and foreign newspapers. In the National Library's online library at nb.no, you can also read many older Norwegian books and newspapers for free online. In the library building you'll find free wireless internet, computers, and often meeting rooms you can use for reading or meetings.
Many municipalities also offer after-hours access: with your library card and PIN code, you can unlock access to the library outside staffed opening hours, for example early in the morning or late in the evening. Then you can borrow, return materials and work by yourself when staff are not present.
Struggling with digital services? The library can often help. Many libraries offer free guidance on using public websites, apps and email — just ask at the counter about when they have digital help available.
The library as a free study space
If you're taking the Norwegian language test or the social studies test, the library is a quiet and free study space — and you can borrow textbooks there. On SamfunnPrep you can practice free exercises for the tests, and the combination of the library and digital exercises works well for many.
If you're new to Norway, getting a library card should be on your list of first priorities. Feel free to check out the checklist for your first week in Norway on SamfunnPrep — the library is one of the items that costs you nothing and gives back a lot.
