The Howard V. and Edna H. Hong
Kierkegaard Library
Center for Research and Publication
The Kierkegaard Library is located in the historic Steensland Hall on the St. Olaf College campus in Northfield, MN. 
The Kierkegaard Library originated with a generous donation from Howard V. and Edna H. Hong. 
At the heart of the Kierkegaard Library is our Pre-1856 collection, securely housed in a climate-controlled vault in Rolvaag Memorial Library. These rare books may be viewed by appointment. 
We invite you to visit the Kierkegaard Library to explore our collections, participate in our programming, and meet our visiting scholars. 
The Howard V. and Edna H. Hong Kierkegaard Library is both a Center for Research and Publication and a Special Collection. We offer academic programs and events aimed at stimulating and nurturing the study of Søren Kierkegaard among students, faculty, and domestic and international scholars.
Updated Summer Schedule
The Kierkegaard Library offers extended hours during summer months. Please see the full schedule and upcoming closures below to plan your visit accordingly.
Click here to view full schedule ↓
Regular Summer Hours:
• Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Upcoming Closures:
• June 19: Juneteenth• July 4: Independence Day
• August: The Kierkegaard Library is closed in August
Contact us via email for more information: HKL@stolaf.edu.
News and Events
The Kierkegaard Library seeks to foster and support a global community of Kierkegaard enthusiasts. Please follow the link below to view upcoming events in the Kierkegaard community, both locally and around the world.
Kierkegaard Community
Proposals due September 15
The Kierkegaard Library is hosting its 10th International Kierkegaard Conference from June 15–19, 2026 with the topic “Readings of Kierkegaard.” Traditionally an occasion for members of the global Kierkegaard community to gather and engage in intellectual conversation, the first conference launched nearly forty years ago in 1985, with the topic “Kierkegaard and Contemporary Philosophy.” For more information please see the link below.
2026 International Kierkegaard Conference
Read the IJKR
In 2024 we published the International Journal of Kierkegaard Research, formally the Søren Kierkegaard Newsletter, as a new open-access, peer-reviewed journal. Submissions are due each year by May 1st. Click here to read our first issue and learn about submission guidelines.
International Journal of Kierkegaard Research
KSI 2025: June 3 – July 31
The Kierkegaard Summer Institute welcomes scholars with varying seniority, from undergraduate students to seasoned scholars. June and July at the KSI is full of activity, including the opportunity to participate in close-reading groups, present research, and work in collaboration with new colleagues. Learn more at the link below.
Kierkegaard Summer InstituteOpportunities for St. Olaf Students
Located in Steensland Hall, we offer cozy study spaces and countless resources. Our staff and student workers are always available to help you with your research needs, in person or over email (HKL@stolaf.edu). We invite you to stop by in-person and to check out the adjacent resources to see all that we have to offer.
