As of: February 28, 2024, 10:24 a.m
By: Sven Trautwein
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Libraries are more than just a place with thousands of books.
They are a place for exchange and knowledge transfer.
Amsterdam shows how it works.
Libraries often hide treasures that are not easily accessible.
Some are reminiscent of the library in “Harry Potter”, such as perhaps the most beautiful library in Germany, the Law Library in Munich City Hall.
Others boast valuable archives or secret passages.
But libraries are more than just a place to store thousands of books.
One of the most spectacular is in Amsterdam with 1.5 million books on 28,000 square meters.
The “Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam” (OBA) is the largest public library in Europe.
And much more than that.
The “Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam” (OBA) is the largest public library in Europe and also an architectural jewel.
© Patrick van Emst/Bruno Press/Imago
Libraries are an important mediator in the field of culture.
There are 55.5 million members of public libraries in Germany.
Among students, around 2 million visit a library every day, as can be found here.
In the Netherlands, too, the cathedrals of books are a central place for imparting knowledge.
And in the Netherlands this goes far beyond borrowing books.
Libraries in the Netherlands
Since its founding, the Kingdom of the Netherlands has been an integral part of the European Union.
Covering an area of approximately 40,000 square kilometers, the country is mostly flat and some regions are even below sea level.
The population is around 17 million people.
The appreciation of freedom of information and expression, coupled with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, has given rise to a wide range of industries.
An exciting diversity has developed, particularly in the book and media sectors.
An extensive range of library and information services, from public and school libraries to special libraries and the National Library of the Netherlands, testifies to this.
The best example of this is the very bright and largest public library in Europe, the OBA in Amerstdam.
OBA Amsterdam: Welcoming library
The OBA in Amsterdam is the largest public library in Europe and impresses with its lighting concept.
© Sven Trautwein
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Anyone who comes to Amsterdam for the first time is impressed by the picturesque houses and the canals.
For example, if you reach Amsterdam from the sea on a river cruise, some of the ships dock at Cruise Port Amsterdam or nearby.
From there it is a ten-minute walk to Europe's largest public library.
The red “OBA” lettering would make you think it was a supermarket or an office building.
Concrete and wood, floor-to-ceiling windows and warm lighting dominate and make you curious to visit.
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After a small seating area with lockers, there are a few steps into the building.
The lighting is immediately noticeable.
The slightly lower children's and youth area can be seen via a kind of balustrade.
Here too, there are different seating options, so this library can quickly become your favorite place to read.
The Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam has 1.5 million titles and a very large foreign language section.
© Sven Trautwein
The building at Oosterdokskade 143 in Amsterdam was completed in 2007.
The renowned architect Jo Coenen designed the library with the aim of making it an urban meeting place.
The entrance area, highlighted by the use of shell limestone, is intended as a public space, as can be read on the architecture website
heinze.de
.
OBA Amsterdam: library with café and theater
As the first newly constructed building on the newly developed site of the Oosterdoks Island in Amsterdam, the new library building represented a special project. Jo Coenen, the architect, sought to integrate the library harmoniously into its surroundings, but at the same time give it an independent one To give it charisma - and to give visitors an incomparable view of the surrounding area.
The floor-to-ceiling windows on all floors invite you to enjoy a magnificent view of Amsterdam's old town.
Cozy reading corners, a café and the integrated OBA theater provide an opportunity to exchange ideas with others away from books.
With 1.5 million books and a very large foreign language section, every book lover should quickly find what they are looking for.
Why a visit to the Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam is worth it
Architectural masterpiece:
The Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam (Amsterdam Public Library) is housed in an impressive, modern building.
The architectural masterpiece not only provides an inspiring environment for reading and learning, but is also a city landmark.
Comprehensive Collection:
The library houses a comprehensive collection of books, magazines, films and other media in various languages.
The variety of resources allows visitors to explore a wide range of topics and genres.
Cultural events:
The Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam is not only a place for silent reading, but also a lively cultural center.
It regularly hosts events such as readings, workshops, exhibitions and discussions that bring the community together and promote intellectual exchange.
Innovative Technology:
The library is equipped with innovative technology to meet the needs of a modern society.
These include, for example, digital media, Internet access and modern workstations that offer visitors a contemporary library experience.
Social meeting place:
In addition to its function as a knowledge center, the library is a social meeting place.
The welcoming atmosphere invites you to relax, study or just spend time with friends.
The Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam therefore plays an important role as a place of encounter and cultural exchange in the city.
The German Library Association is considering opening libraries on Sundays.