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AMSTERDAM'S PUBLIC LIBRARY

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If you were to tell me the most memorable part of my recent trip to Amsterdam would be the public library, I likely would have canceled my ticket. However, I’m happy and surprised to report that this is indeed the case. The public library has eclipsed the city’s efficient and clean public transit as the most impressive thing I found on my visit. It has also topped the bike friendly streets full of beautiful people, gliding along effortlessly, conducting their daily business.

The Central Branch of the Openbare Bibliotheek opened in July 2007, and serves at least 2.5 million visitors each year. The library’s resources are staggering. It occupies over 28,500 square meters spread over 10 floors, has 600 internet connected computers, 1200 seats, 2000 bicycle parking spaces, an auditorium, museum, restaurant, and multiple conference and exhibition rooms. Click Read More for additional information and photos. Written by Anthony Smyrski

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As I approach the building I am immediately impressed by the slick and futuristic architecture. While the design nods to a utopian future, it’s clear that care has been taken to keep the facade from feeling dated. It will grow with the city.

Each floor of the library is dedicated to a different medium, making it easy to immerse yourself in any topic. The sense of openness, and clean workspaces, actively make visitors want to learn and research. Fathers lounge comfortably in red chairs with their sons as they read from a book about dinosaurs. Students sit in soundproof study pods, finding refuge from the bustling coffee shops and their cramped apartments. Freelancers use the computers and tables as their de facto office, taking advantage of the free internet and access to resource materials.

Conversation is also encouraged – I am happy to engage a young man by the name of Wouter in a lengthy chat. Wouter has recently returned from the United States – Ohio to be exact. He was working as a volunteer for the Obama campaign. Why would a Dutch citizen travel such a distance to work for free, and for a leader of a foreign government? “Whatever the United States does has an effect on the rest of the world,” Wouter explains. “As I see it, he’s my President too.” It’s this type of inclusive global thinking that can offer some insight into why the Dutch have spent such effort and money (80 Million euros to be exact) on a library.

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What really strikes me is the ability of the library to erase the perceived boundaries between print, web, gaming, music and entertainment. It’s tech-savvy positioning changes the idea of what a library can be—not just a dusty place full of old books and grumpy librarians, this is a venue where Amsterdam’s citizens come to learn and interact with each other, and the world. They come to study and to learn and to do business.

And they come to eat, as I pleasantly found out. Not only was the library my favorite place in Amsterdam, it’s seventh-floor restaurant also served me the best meal I had during my short stay. I mean no affront to the city’s renowned potatoes or pancakes, but the chance to enjoy a glass of wine and freshly grilled salmon along with an excellent view of the city was one I could not pass up.

If you are passing through Amsterdam, do not miss the Openbare Bibliotheek.

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