1. Revised Norwegian Library Act New act came into force 1 January 2014 Most important change concerns the preamble of the act Emphasizes active promotion of information, education and culture States that public libraries shall be independent meeting places and arenas for public conversation and debate

2. National development program As part of national library development the National Library provides annual project grants to libraries (3,5 mill. euro in 2014) One third has been earmarked to develop public libraries as meeting places and arenas for debate as a consequence of the new act Main library priority of the new Norwegian government 60 projects provided grants in March this year

3. Project examples Development of libraries as local houses of literature Smaller local events like public debates in local libraries Digital makerspaces in two city libraries Cooperative study by 14 bigger libraries on future needs for library services in communities of their size