Published
Tuesday 14 June 2022 – 18:54
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If you plan to visit Oslo’s main library Thursday this week, just bow, nod, no and turn around.
That is when the capital’s public great hall closes its doors. Not for good, but to celebrate Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s birthday.
The government is responsible for the invitation, and you are most likely not among the around 200 invited guests.
It is a strange choice of place. Libraries are perhaps the archetype of a place that should be accessible to all, regardless of status, background and wallet. The current national library strategy states that “libraries are houses of democracy”. The exception one makes here, breaks quite solidly with that principle.
The country’s largest library is now closing its doors in honor of someone who has not been elected to his position, but who has inherited it. Of course, this is not the end of the world, but it is symbolic. For there is indeed a difference between Jørgen Hattemaker and King Solomon.
The libraries are that few places in the middle of a city you can be without paying and without pressure to buy anything. There are no lure offers that shine towards you, no requirement to buy anything to sit there. On the contrary, you can frolic in books and music, you can read newspapers and repair clothes. Everything is completely free.
There are many in Oslo who can not afford good enough to go to the cinema or participate in sports activities. Maybe some of them are outside the fire brigade on Thursday, and wish they could have access to what for the occasion has become generous rooms.
There is an upcoming queen to be celebrated. She is now of age and thus an adult. Thus, we must also be able to question her assessments as a future monarch.
In this case, she should put her foot down for the celebration. Although it is not her responsibility alone, it is now also her responsibility.
One may wonder whether the Royal Palace in the center of Oslo is not well enough suited for this.
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