The library 's neoclassical main building is in the St. Hanshaugen district of Oslo . It was designed by Nils Reiersen , was completed in 1933 . It is often referred to in Norwegian as '' trappehuset '' ( ~ " the house of stairs " ) since it has many staircases . The building houses a bust of Karen-Christine Friele . In 2011 the building was damaged in the bombing of the government quarter . Part of the entrance had to be demolished and all departments in the building were closed to the public for two months after the explosion
bombing of the government quarter
2011 Norway attacks
Oslo Public Library