The Library of the UL is a publicly accessible scientific library, custodian and maintainer of intellectual values. The aim of the Library is to facilitate the fulfilment of the mission of the UL by providing the information resources and services necessary for the academic work of the UL.

In 1862, the Riga Polytechnic was founded and the establishment of the library began.

After the World War I, the Latvian Higher School (later – the University of Latvia) was established in 1919 and the library began to be formed almost anew.

In 1980, the collection of the Library exceeded 2 million copies.

In 1998, the Library of the UL, together with other libraries of national importance created Electronic Union Catalogue of Latvian Libraries of National Significance.

In 2015, the Library of Natural Sciences opened its doors and it welcomes visitors 24 hours a day.

In 2019, the Library of the House of Science was opened, offering the first self-service computer device loan system LapSafe Diplomat in the Baltics.