In addition to serving as a functional library, the National Library is a city attraction. It is situated in a park on a river bank and has an observation deck looking over Minsk. As of 2009 it is the only structure in Minsk with a public observation deck. The area in front of the library is used for many public concerts and shows.
The building is also the subject of an art video by French artist Raphael Zarka, "Rhombus Sectus", shown at the Bischoff Weiss gallery, London, in 2011.