(cc) Ricardo Mateins

The OBA or Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam (Public Library Amsterdam) is a collective name for all public libraries in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The first library opened in 1919 at the Keizersgracht.

The largest of these libraries, the Centrale Bibliotheek, moved to the Prinsengracht in 1977 and 30 years later, on 7 July 2007 (07/07/07), to the Oosterdokseiland, just east of Central Station. It is now the largest public library in Europe. It has a floor surface of 28,500 m2, spread over 10 floors, 1200 seats, of which 600 with Internet-connected computers and a staff of 200.

This to me is a real modern treasure in Amsterdam, The building was designed by Jo Coenen, the former state architect of the Netherlands, and it welcomes up to 2 million visitors every year. Open seven days a week 12 hours a day, this powerhouse of information is so much more than any library you’ve seen before.

Its one of the places that’s always on my
“Must See” list for friends that visit, and for many reasons!

(cc) driek

Firstly: its an amazing space, really and truly I could post a million shots of all the unique and peaceful areas of this building, and never give you even 60% of its spirit. Here is a great photo slideshow to have a look.

Secondly: it is a beauty inside, but go to the top, or even any of the vast picture windows on each floor, and you will be treated to panoramic views of the city around you.

Thirdly: On a wet day its a great place to check your email (with 600 dedicated MAC & PC terminals) , read a paper, watch a DVD, listen to a CD or LP, check out their 360° projector viewing room, or play the piano.

(cc) gkluit

Fourthly: The cafe on the top floor, not only benefits from the amazing view but has great food, wine and beer, and free wifi.

Fifthly: for any design fan it is a treasure trove of modern gems, there is the most unique selection of seating in each area, from oversized bed seats in the kiddies area, to large armchairs in the news section, bubble rocking chairs in the AV section, to individual study pods scattered throughout. The light fittings are a beauty to behold and the structure and design of the floor signage is incomparable.

(cc) Wischenbart

A quick tour: Starting from open lightfilled basement you’ll find the Children’s area, Ground floor is the Entrance with Reception and Toilets (which are pretty cool themselves) Newspapers/ magazines and a reading cafe are on the entresol just above. On the first floor you’ll find all the Multimedia viewing area, CDs and DVDs. All of which can be rented by the week for a mere €1. For novels go to the second floor. Third floor is reserved for Travel and History fourth floor for Art and Music, while the fifth floor is where the Health and study rooms are. Sixth floor has Philosophy and Social work and the Seventh for Theater which seats 300. Also the La Place restaurant is to be found on the uppermost floor.

(cc) Monique Kooijmans

There is a Music Department where world music and jazz form this unique collection that includes exceptional sets from Brazil and Indonesia. The LP collection is easy to find in the catalogue, you can search either under band, artist, composer name or title. The department also houses the scientific section of the Stichting Toonkunstbibliotheek (Music Library Foundation) along with its large collection of antiquarian sheet music and songbooks.

(cc) irdrager

There is so much information about Europe and the EU available, that sometimes it is very difficult to know where to start looking for the information you need. Because of that, the European Commission has created an information network in all EU member countries known as the Europe Direct information network. The Amsterdam Public Library is a part of it.

The OBA made a quick video tour  – have a look as it really gives a good sense of some of the spaces. And make sure the OBA is on your “Must See” list when you come to Amsterdam.