Regional libraries

A regional library is a library that supports the local public libraries by lending or obtaining books and other library materials that are not within what is generally expected that the individual public libraries purchase. In this way, all citizens in Denmark have free and equal access to information and knowledge, regardless of where they live in the country. The regional library also serves as a local public library in its area.

Competence development through national strategies

The regional libraries also offer competence development schemes for the public libraries, which, through national strategies, aim towards targeted and current library services to the citizens. They also offer professional consulting to and coordination between the libraries, which contributes to strengthening the cooperative library services in Denmark.

The Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces, through a special appropriation in the Danish Finance Act, is responsible for ensuring the operation of the regional libraries for the municipal public libraries. This function is carried out by six public libraries, which, with state subsidies, also function as regional libraries.