There are many interesting libraries in Amsterdamand some of them are quite hidden.
Let's explore the city in search of the best places to read in Amsterdam!
Library in Amsterdam: article summary
Amsterdam Public Library
Amsterdam's main public library is located near Central StationIn a bright, modern building overlooking the city on one side and the waters of the IJ on the other.
Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam has a children's section on the first floor, magazines and newspapers on the first floor and 7 other public floors housing a variety of books on all subjects.
They have multimedia sections and texts in foreign languages. as well as numerous sitting areas for reading or studying.
As mentioned above, the library offers superb views and is a wonderful place to spend time. Bring your laptop to study or work, and take a break in one of the cafés on the top or first floor.
Visiting the OBA is free of charge, but if you wish to borrow a book, you will need to apply for membership.
Rijksmuseum Library
The Cuypers Historical Library Rijksmuseum is almost a museum exhibit in itself. You can see the library's magnificent 19th-century reading room from above during your visit to the museum.
The Rijksmuseum research library is one of the most important art libraries in the world. Auction and exhibition catalogs, books and annual reports relating to the museum's collections are held here.
If you wish to use the library, you'll need a pass.
The Artis library
The Artis Library is a 19th-century gallery located in the Artis Zoo. The collections cover the subjects of evolutionary theory, natural history and zoo history and archives.
It was originally part of the zoo, but in 1939 the zoo almost went bankrupt and ownership of the library was transferred to the University of Amsterdam.
The library is now part of the Bijzondere Collections of the UVA. As part of the University, the library is open to students and the public on certain days of the week.
The library of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam
Visit Van Gogh museum has a collection of books related to the museum's collection. The library is located next to the museum, in the former home of architect Jan de Bie Leuveling Tjeenk.
You can visit the library free of charge and consult the collection of books, magazines and documentation in the museum's reading room by appointment only.
The library of the Academy of Architecture
The University of the Arts Amsterdam has several specialized libraries within its system. The library of the Academy of Architecture is open to the public.
However, documents may not be borrowed students, teachers and staff.
The Amsterdam Museum Library
The Amsterdam Museum Library specializes in information on exhibition preparation and collection building. This includes museum catalogs.
They also have books on the history of Amsterdam, including much of the collection formerly housed in the Willet-Holthuysen Museum, and other material on their own exhibitions.
The library is not open to the public, but can be visited by appointment.
The Stedelijk Museum Library
If you're looking for books on contemporary art and design, visit the library at Stedelijk Museum. The library also offers documentaries on modern art and a good selection of design magazines.
You can access the Stedelijk library free of charge without a ticket to enter the museum. And they have a reading room with free WIFI access. From here, you also have access to a café. in the museum's main hall and a restaurant on the side!
The Maritime Museum library
The library Scheepvaartmuseum has one of the world's largest collections of maritime history and includes numerous information on the Dutch Golden Age and the history of navigation.
In addition to typical books and archives, the museum also has a good collection of maps. The library is located inside the museum, and admission is free - no ticket for the museum itself is required.
If you feel like taking a break after visiting the library, the Scheepvaart Museum is well worth a visit. You'll also find a delicious coffee on the other side of the building.
With so many libraries in Amasterdam, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to where to do your research. What you need satisfy your need for reading during your stay in Amsterdam!
What to do in Amsterdam in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Amsterdam guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special Amsterdam guide!
Leave a Reply