Library

The Central Slovakian Gallery Library is the only specialized library focused on visual arts in Banská Bystrica. The first book was registered in November 1959, less than three years after the gallery was founded. The book collection primarily provided art literature for study and research tasks for internal employees. In 1994, the library was opened to the public in the Bethlen House, within the administrative part of the gallery building. Today, it holds a rich collection of artist monographs, exhibition catalogs, specialized periodicals and non-periodical journals, as well as theoretical literature on Slovak and international art. The gallery library serves both research purposes and the general public interested in visual arts and arts education.

The library underwent renovation, during which a new space—a public library—was added. It offers a selection of books that will appeal not only to specialized readers but also to beginners who want to learn more about art. Visitors will find a selection of the best books in the fields of contemporary art and art education for children and adults. The public library contains many titles focused on graphic design, art history, monographs of Slovak and international artists, aesthetics, museum pedagogy, and other specialized categories. The full offering is also available through the DAWINCI library information system online at ssgbb.dawinci.sk. The literature is available for on-site study only.

What sets our library apart from other types of libraries is the extensive selection of over 4,600 exhibition catalogs and professional event documentation held in Slovakia and abroad. Since these catalogs are published in limited numbers, most of them are available only in gallery libraries. These catalogs represent a unique source of knowledge and inspiration for artists, as well as for both the professional and general public.