Most of human knowledge in every field exists only on paper, in books – this paper memory of humanity… Therefore, only a collection of books, a library, is the sole hope and indestructible memory of the human race…
Schopenhauer
A library is an institution that not only preserves printed publications but also makes them available for public use. Today, library collections increasingly include digital resources as well as printed materials. Libraries can be ranked according to various criteria, including the number of items in their collections, the area they occupy, annual visitor numbers, and staff size.
This ranking focuses on the size of each library’s collection. However, figures are not always directly comparable: institutions count books, manuscripts, recordings, maps, digital resources, and other materials in different ways. The figures below should therefore be treated as approximate rather than as a definitive, strictly comparable ranking.
1 Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., USA – more than 178 million items
The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and one of the world’s largest repositories of knowledge. Its collections include books, recordings, maps, manuscripts, photographs, films, and other materials in many languages. According to its published statistics for fiscal year 2023, its holdings exceeded 178 million items. The collection continues to grow, with thousands of new items added on a typical working day.
2 British Library, London and Yorkshire, United Kingdom – more than 170 million items
The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and one of the world’s largest research libraries. Its collection includes books, newspapers, manuscripts, maps, sound recordings, photographs, patents, and digital publications. The library reports holding more than 170 million items in over 400 languages, with millions of additional items entering its collections each year.
3 New York Public Library (NYPL), New York City, USA – approximately 56 million items
The New York Public Library is one of the largest public library systems in the United States. Its research collections include millions of books, manuscripts, photographs, artworks, maps, recordings, and other materials. The institution reports a collection of approximately 56 million items. It serves researchers, students, and members of the public through its research libraries, neighborhood branches, and online resources.
4 Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Canada – tens of millions of items
Library and Archives Canada preserves the documentary heritage of the country. Its collections include books, government records, photographs, maps, audiovisual materials, private archives, and works of art. Rather than functioning solely as a library, it also serves as Canada’s national archival institution, collecting and preserving records that document the country’s history and cultural life.
5 Russian State Library, Moscow, Russia – more than 47 million items
The Russian State Library was formerly known as the V. I. Lenin State Library of the USSR. It adopted its current name in 1992. Its collections include books, periodicals, manuscripts, maps, music publications, and other materials. It is one of the largest libraries in Europe and serves as a major research institution.
6 National Library of Russia, St. Petersburg, Russia – tens of millions of items
The National Library of Russia is one of the oldest major public libraries in Europe. It was founded in 1795 by order of Catherine the Great and opened to readers in 1814. Its extensive holdings include printed books, rare editions, manuscripts, maps, and other historical documents. In everyday Russian usage, it is often informally called the “Public Library.”
7 National Diet Library, Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan – tens of millions of items
The National Diet Library is Japan’s national library and supports the country’s parliament as well as public research. Its main facilities are in Tokyo and Kyoto. The library collects publications from Japan and abroad, preserves historical materials, and provides access to extensive print and digital resources. Its role is broadly comparable to that of other national libraries, including the Library of Congress in the United States.
8 Royal Danish Library, Copenhagen, Denmark – tens of millions of items
The Royal Danish Library traces its origins to 1648 and became a public library in 1793. Today, it is Denmark’s national library and one of the country’s principal research institutions. Its collections include books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, music, and other cultural materials. Its Copenhagen waterfront building, known as the Black Diamond, opened in 1999. The striking modern structure, clad in black granite and glass, also houses exhibition spaces, a concert hall, and public facilities.
9 National Library of China, Beijing, China – tens of millions of items
The National Library of China is the country’s largest national library and an important centre for research and the preservation of Chinese cultural heritage. Its collections include books, periodicals, ancient manuscripts, historical documents, and digital resources. It provides access to a wide range of materials for researchers and the public, including online catalogues and digital collections.
10 National Library of France (Bibliothèque nationale de France, BnF), Paris, France – tens of millions of items
The National Library of France has roots in the royal collections of the Middle Ages. By the 14th century, the royal library already held a substantial collection of manuscripts, and a catalogue was compiled in the 17th century. Today, the BnF preserves books, manuscripts, maps, prints, photographs, sound recordings, and many other kinds of material. Its collections document French culture and history while also covering subjects from around the world.
