Wander through Amsterdam’s libraries and find the perfect spots to read, study, and experience the city’s culture.
The Dutch capital’s enchanting canals and bicycles winding through its alleyways make it a novel in itself. Nowhere are these stories better discovered than in Amsterdam’s libraries.
If you’re looking for somewhere to read when in Amsterdam, these libraries are the perfect place to start.
OBA Oosterdok – Public Library
Close to Central Station, the OBA Oosterdok – Public Library is the most extensive in the Netherlands, with around 1.5 million items in its collection, including books, DVDs, CDs, and more. Serving as the main branch of the Amsterdam Public Library, the seven-floor facility is sure to excite bibliophiles who will have so much written material to enjoy.
A visit to OBA Oosterdok – Public Library isn’t complete without going to the top floor, where there’s a restaurant that provides some beautiful vistas of the city skyline.
Address: Oosterdokskade 143, 1011 DL Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening hours:
– Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 8AM – 10PM
– Wednesday: 7:30AM – 10PM
– Saturday and Sunday: 10AM – 8PM
Rijksmuseum Research Library
The Rijksmuseum Research Library is a true architectural marvel designed by architect Pierre Cuypers. An official section of Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, this research library aims to source and preserve the finest written works on art history. One of its spaces, the Cuypers Library, is recognized as the sixth most beautiful library in the world.
The design features a mix of Gothic and Renaissance elements, with multiple levels of books extending high up through the building. It’s also considered the oldest public art history library in the country.
Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 10AM – 5PM
– Sunday: Closed
Ets Haim Library (Livraria Montezinos)
If you’re one for unique specialized libraries, Ets Haim Library (Livraria Montezinos) is sure to interest you. Established in 1616, this is the oldest Jewish library on the planet with a wealth of interesting literature, including 30,000 texts and 550 manuscripts.
While the library prioritizes visits for researchers, it also offers tours for those genuinely interested in seeing the complex. However, as of now, they’re only conducted in Dutch.
Address: Mr. Visserplein 3, 1011 RD Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening hours:
– Monday to Thursday: 10AM – 4PM
– Friday to Sunday: Closed
Artis Library
One of the finest aspects of the Allard Pierson Museum is the Artis Library. Its monumental wooden, polished bookcases aren’t the only thing this place has going for it. The selection of natural history books here is a draw for many, with topics like geology and zoology heavily covered.
To visit the Artis Library, you must make an appointment in advance, as public time slots are limited to 15 minutes.
Address: Plantage Middenlaan 45, 1018 DC Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening hours:
– Tuesday and Thursday: 9AM – 5PM
– Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: Closed
OBA Van der Pek
OBA Van der Pek opened its doors in 2017 and has since become a thriving library that many in Amsterdam-Noord have come to appreciate. For such a small space, they’ve made the most of it with minimalist aesthetics that create a cozy atmosphere.
There’s also a café on site, which also serves as the library’s information desk, adding to its multipurpose nature.
Address: Gentiaanstraat 1, 1031 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening hours:
– Monday: 1PM – 5:30PM
– Tuesday to Saturday: 9:30AM – 5:30PM
– Sunday: 1PM – 4:30PM
OBA Molenwijk
Adding to the list of OBA libraries, OBA Molenwijk houses a vast collection of written materials near the Molenwijk shopping center. From 30,000 covers to 1,800 audiobooks, literary lovers are in for a treat. Plus, there’s a sizable children’s corner with options for younger readers.
One key feature that makes OBA Molenwijk stand out is the story wall, which has a bunch of pieces written by locals that visitors can admire as they walk through the complex.
Address: Molenwijk 21, 1035 EG Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening hours:
– Monday: 1PM – 5:30PM
– Tuesday: 9:30AM – 8PM
– Thursday to Saturday: 9:30AM – 5:30PM
– Wednesday: 7:30AM – 9PM
– Sunday: 1PM – 4:30PM
OBA Bijlmerplein
In a southeastern pocket of Amsterdam, you’ll find OBA Bijlmerplein, which particularly focuses on literature related to the Antilles archipelago and Surinam. Besides its assortment of books, it’s also a popular place for locals to study and a chosen venue for various live performances.
There’s a bit of an industrial feel to OBA Bijlmerplein with its low ceilings and exposed piping, but it also incorporates contemporary details like the refined rectangular bookcases.
Address: Bijlmerplein 393, 1102 BP Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening hours:
– Monday: 2PM – 5:30PM
– Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday: 9:30AM – 5:30PM
– Wednesday: 7:30AM – 9PM
– Thursday: 9:30AM – 8PM
– Sunday: 1PM – 4:30PM
The Ritman Library (Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica)
The Ritman Library (Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica), nicknamed ‘The Embassy of the Free Mind,’ is a thought-provoking space with a repository of books devoted to the world’s free thinkers. Much of the written material here is said to have been produced by those who have gone against the grain and chose to seek answers beyond society’s main authorities.
The topics here span all sorts of subjects, including Freemasonry, Taoism, Sufism, philosophy, and many more. Currently, there are around 2,300 rare covers, along with roughly 300 manuscripts, some of which can be traced back to the 15th century.
Address: Keizersgracht 123, 1015 CJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening hours:
– Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday: 10AM – 5PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 6PM
– Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: Closed
OBA CC Amstel
A trendy location in the De Pijp district, OBA CC Amstel is a library with a wealth of facilities, including a theater, studio, cafe, and restaurant. It’s not all about books here either, as they’ve also got some fun extras, like an indoor treehouse popular with youngsters and plenty of study zones.
The inner area extends across two levels, with metal fencing enclosing the space and tables filling the center, where you can read books from the surrounding walls lined with shelves overflowing with volumes.
Address: Cullinanplein 1, 1074 JN Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening hours:
– Sunday and Monday: Closed
– Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 9:30AM – 5:30PM
– Wednesday: 7:30AM – 9PM
– Saturday: 11AM – 5PM
Studiekring Amsterdam – OBA
Defined by clean white tones and elegant pendant lighting, Studiekring Amsterdam – OBA on Tollenstraat often goes unnoticed to many. It was once a tram depot but has since been transformed into a library that shares the area with a cinema, hotels, and other establishments.
Studiekring Amsterdam – OBA is well stocked with volumes and amenities for visitors to take advantage of. Computers, printers, and private spaces are available for use.
Address: Hannie Dankbaarpassage 10, 1053 RT Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening hours:
– Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 9:30AM – 5:30PM
– Wednesday: 7:30AM – 9PM
– Friday: 9:30AM – 8PM
– Saturday: 11AM – 5PM
– Sunday: 1PM – 4:30PM
OBA Roelof Hartplein
This stunning library stands out for its historic brown facade, located in close proximity to the Concertgebouw. Exuding a vintage atmosphere, it feels less modern than most other OBA libraries, but in a good way. The paneled windows framed by red curtains allow natural light to flood the floors.
Both adults and children are catered to at OBA Roelof Hartplein with its wide range of literary offerings. After browsing through the collection, you can grab a drink in the reading cafe, which draws quite a crowd of enthusiastic readers.
Address: Roelof Hartplein 430, 1071 VH Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening hours:
– Sunday: 1PM – 4:30PM
– Monday: 2PM – 5:30 PM
– Wednesday, and Friday: 9:30AM – 5:30PM
– Thursday: 9:30AM – 8PM
– Saturday: 11AM – 5PM
– Tuesday: Closed
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Adam Ryan
Adam is a distinguished content writer, bookworm, and full-time adventurer with a constant craving for coffee. When he's not working, he loves exploring remote corners of the world, immersing himself in different cultures, and writing about his experiences.
