OBA Oosterdok is more than just a library; it's a destination. The architecture is beautiful and modern. I loved that the ground floor is dedicated to kids, making it very welcoming for families, while the upper floors remain quiet and perfect for studying. If you're looking for a place to be productive, OBA Oosterdok is it. It's massive (7 floors!) so you can almost always find a corner to settle into. They've clearly thought about modern needs: ample power outlets, tons of desk space, and fast, free Wi-Fi. Once you're done working, head upstairs to the cafe. The outdoor space offers one of the best views of the city center you can find. Truly a gem of a public space! read more

OBA Bibliotheek - Libraries Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

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7 stories of an amazing library and building. Now, we were just visiting tourists so we were not checking out books or using library services. I'm a lover of books and public libraries so to visit one in another country is a must do and this one specifically is beyond cool. 7 stories, gender neutral bathrooms, located right on the heart of town, ams a cafe with views. Had up to the 7th floor and grab a beverage or smash from the café and find a patio table overlooking the water... amazing read more

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The library is beautiful but once you get up to the top floor of the cafe, it's completely disappointing, despite the outside view. I had a friend meet me up there for lunch and it was definitely and big disappointment. It use to be one of my favorite locations in Amsterdam for lunch. However, unfortunately they did a horrible job on the planning and renovation of the cafe, it's so unappealing. It's only worth going up there on a summer day when the sun is out to get a nice view of the city but that is about it. It was completely messy, dirty and amazingly limited in options as far as snacks or food. They should have left the old cafe with the same concept because now it's very unflattering. However the rest of the library aesthetically is very nice. So make sure to explore everything below the cafe. read more

I wanted to cry this library is so beautiful. If they'd let me, I'd live here. Seriously. There really isn't anything more I can add to the already helpful reviews. Just thank you Amsterdam for the best library I've ever been to. Oh wait, I did think of something: Wi-Fi isn't free for non-members. You're welcome. read more

OBA Bibliotheek - Best. Library. Ever. - Libraries Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

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Beautiful library right along the water. I think there are 7 stories to this building. The kids area is amazing. There is a big selection of English books. A few Mo Willems books. There are tons of cushions and a little tepee for the kids. Love the decorations. The humongous tree house is awesome. Definitely worth a visit if you have kids and you are in the area. read more

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Could be the most stunningly beautiful library in the world today. seven architecturally amazing floors. Very good, reasonably priced cafe on the seventh floor with a terrace view of the city that will leave you speechless. If you live in Amsterdam you will want to be a member for 30 Euros a year. read more

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I love it here. I always go to this library to pretend I need to do some studying. It's the intention that counts right!? Because quite frankly the view is really nice, from the 6th floor and 7th floor, see attached pic. And if you look closely, you can see an apple sign in the water!!! ;) They have opened up the terrace on the 7th but i've seen those filthy pigeons hanging around, and Gawd i hate them, so i choose to stay in, after all I am here to study. But by all means, have a look, I am sure it's amazing. ~ update May 12, 9pm: it IS amazing! Loving the Dam even more ~ I love the fact that it's so big, there's a restaurant on the 7th floor, there are comfy seats on every floor, a zillion available computers to work from (note: only on 5th and 6th floor you can use your usb-whatevas, handy when your iPhone is dying on you again), a random exhibition now and then, what's not to like? Well, i like to question the hygiene factor, as a zillion people use the same keyboard througout the day, there isn't a payment facility on every floor and it would be nice to have a tech guy around when your computer chokes. Small things really, because i do love being here, trying to study. Luckily the library closes at 10pm. :) read more

OBA Bibliotheek - The view from the 6th - Libraries Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

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Fijne bibliotheek en fantastische klantenservice.

A pretty modern library (I like old ones better though), and it's a beautiful building. Great example of dutch architecture! (which I loove) It says it's the public library, but it's not very "public". The library's system kind of sucks in my opnion... You have to pay for being a member (not pay as you go) and it's not an unlimited membership... :( Wifi here is NOT FREE. You have to pay extra for anything else in the library. If you want to use the wifi to work, you pay € 1, - per half hour. (if you have a pass though, you get 3 hours of free wifi per day..) If you want, you can work on offline computers for free though (imacs!). It's a shame, because it's such a GREAT place to work! It's got the best view ever, and it's super chillax. They have small and individual seats (like a little cave) for you to work in, it's got a great view, it's got soo many options for you to do work! Maybe it's worth a membership if you're a writer? As far as services go, they do printing for you on the 2nd floor if you need it. There is an Exhibition space, and study areas. Kids have their own area on the ground floor, with some toys & etc and plenty of books and things to do. At the top floor there is a cafe and a restaurant with amazing view. read more

OBA Bibliotheek - Libraries Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

Although I'm just a tourist, a local told me about the library and I love stopping off. It's a quick walk from The Central Station and the free view of Amsterdam from the top floor is amazing. There is also a bar/cafe with good food and beer/wine on the top floor, which makes it even better. Plenty of toilets are available, although you do have to pay 0.30 Euro. I have no clue about the library and its books, but the building and what it offers is pretty great. read more

OBA Bibliotheek - The library from outside - Libraries Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

Just an incredible nice place to spend time looking for books... reading.. surfing the Internet and why not... have a nice drink or some food at the nice restaurant on the top floor (La Place). This building is really amazing!!! There is also an interesting Pizzeria on the ground floor... not incredibly nice. but it is good stuff for the price :) read more

OBA Bibliotheek - Libraries Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

If only libraries in NYC could be like this one! This is probably the biggest library I've ever been in. It's very modern, and has quite a few floors. They even have a cafe on the top floor where you can grab a bite and a view of Amsterdam. When I visited in April 2016, they had this exhibit where you could use your phone to take a 360 selfie. It was kind of hidden, so I don't think a lot of people knew about it. If you're in the area, you should definitely check this place out! read more

This place is a gem, and one of the nicest libraries I've been to (I love libraries, and they're among the first things I check out when I get to a new place). The design is sleek and ultra-modern, the collection (of diverse media) is very well organized, and as others have pointed out the cafe on the top floor has good food and an outstanding view of the city. If I lived in Amsterdam I would be here at least weekly. As a visitor, it's a great place to spend a few hours on your laptop (no free wifi without a library card, though) or with a book. read more

The newly opened Public Library is a site to behold. The beautiful building sits a short walk from Central Station and offers free internet as well as a place of solace to get away from everything. A great place to waste an afternoon away reading in peace or to pop in to check your email for free. read more

OBA Bibliotheek - Libraries Near Me - Amsterdam, New Hampshire

The inside of this building is very nice with lots of quiet spots to curl yourself up in a funky chair. I go here often, to read, or to enjoy the beautiful sight. You do need to be a member to rent books, but if you're feeling like a relaxed afternoon of reading it's a great place. If you're only in Amsterdam for a few days, I wouldn't recommend it though. / edit: I forgot to tell about the piano! On the ground floor there's a piano and if you know how to play, you can sit down and fill the entire library with your music! So, if you are looking for an audience, you'll find it here. read more

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Awesome spot. If you want a place in Amsterdam to chill and relax from the hustle of Amsterdam, this is the spot. They got comfy couches, free WiFi, and just an awesome ambiance. A must visit library in Amsterdam and it is free. read more

The highlight of Amsterdam is the public library! It's a beautiful building with amazing view from the top floor cafe patio and the way it is organized is something to stop by and have a look. Floors of books, movies, CDs, comics.. It's a haven for book lovers.. They have a great english section but mostly in Dutch or other European language. It's very beautiful and well organized. Value 5/5 Atmosphere 5/5 Service 4/5 Quality 5/5 19/20 read more

The greatness of a city is defined by its arts, culture, and the libraries within. The central library does a really great job at defining Amsterdam's greatness. I grew up using boring libraries - you know, ones with just stacks of books in the center and little desks on the sides, libraries where there was absolutely no character and connect with the culture of the people. Amsterdam's central library breaks out of that mold and makes library-going a really fun thing. Spread across 7 floors, the library has a distinct personality on each floor. It's very contemporary, and if not for the thousands of people reading books, you'd mistake it for a modern museum. There's a balcony at the very top where you could enjoy your summer drinks or just lose yourself in the splendid city views. Behind the balcony is a wonderful restaurant that even serves water for free! The collection caters to people of all ages, educational background, and even origin, although I have to admit that the English literature is somewhat limited. Additionally, being a part of the bigger Amsterdam libraries system, you get to make use of the collection at other city libraries. The furniture is very nice and modern. There are sofas, chairs, desks, chairs of all shapes, and even big rectangular foam seats to just lay on. Every floor has a different kind of setting. You could even get one of those personal study pods. There is ample meeting space as well, and a lot of general use computers spread throughout. Wifi is paid, but your membership covers some usage every day. Speaking of which, there are about 3 levels of memberships, each with its own benefits. You get to checkout a limited number of books or other media every year. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a way to renew or reserve materials online, but a trip to the library is quite pleasurable anyway! Right at the entrance is a free-for-all piano, and you can often experience music emanating from it on the weekends. This is what libraries should be like! read more

I really like the modern building of the OBA. And they certainly have a huge collection in certain categories. What's really disappointing is that they only have old books when it comes to contemporary literature. I bought the one year membership for €32.50 last november and I only borrowed one book so far because to me it seems that they stopped buying new books after 2010. So most of the times I do a search in their online catalogue it turns out that they don't have the book I'm looking for. And yes, this search includes all existing OBAs. Btw, these are books that I find in the library of the small town where I'm from - plus there I could borrow them for free! But even if I was a bookworm and read everything: the membership fee includes 48 books within this one year period. If you want to get more you have to top up. However, they don't give you this information when you buy the membership, you only see it on the bonnetje when you borrow the first book - surprise, surprise! So in the end I paid €32.50 for nothing and I still have to buy the books I'm interested in. read more

A giant polar bear, a radio station, a live performance area, far more books than my brain could possibly handle...all in one place! Centrale Bibliotheek is the best library I've been in. Hands down. With breathtakingly beautiful architecture and stunning design, it's a wonder to walk around and there's something to see around every corner. We discovered the library on our last day in Amsterdam and were so glad we did. You'll find the base of Amsterdam FM inside, a large cafe on the top floor and a truly impressive children's section. I challenge anyone to come here and not be excited by books. As an avid reader as a child, I just know I would have loved the imaginative and bright section for little people downstairs. Even a little too old for it now, I couldn't help but smile. Just how any home of books should be. - Wonderful! read more

Not that impressive top floor cafe. After the loss of La Place, the menu is smaller and with lesser choices. Also the coffee sizes are small even when asking for a large takeaway. Meh. BUT the library itself and the view from the cafe floor are amazing! read more

It's a beautiful building and a good place in which to go sit and read or even to have a coffee. They have a limited selection of books in various foreign languages and study rooms. The Amsterdam library system, however, is not so great. Firstly, you have to pay for membership, which gives you a limited number of books per year, and you have to pay extra for media. You also have to pay for wifi. Between the librarians at this branch and at OBA Zuid, I haven't had much luck with Amsterdam librarians. There was a misunderstanding about a book I had ordered and although I had a confirmation email from the library, the ladies at checkout refused to acknowledge it. It was unbelievable. Their English was rather poor so they couldn't understand what I was saying (or they were in public employee "who cares" mode), but they also refused to speak Dutch with me. It was like talking to a door knob. read more

This is a massive library, and so much about it is beautiful, on the inside and the outside. I come from Chicago, where our most impressive library is a big cement box that takes up an entire city block. This library shows that you can have beauty and great architecture and still house lots of books and make a useful space for the community. My 2 year old's favorite feature is the escalators, which we can ride up to the top floor and back down again, enjoying the great lighting and artful displays of books along the way. She also enjoys the great children's section, which is sort of set up as a Secret Garden on the basement level, with kid-friendly chairs and some toys, and a spiral staircase to a secluded upper platform in the middle of the young adult book section where moody pre-pubescents can hide away from the world that doesn't understand them. I like that they have an English section for children's books, so I can still check out some of my favorite childhood books for my daughter even though I now live in another country. They host regular story time readings which I haven't been to yet, but I want to do that soon. Other features of this library that make it such a great community resource are the Macintosh computers that are free for public use, the massive periodicals section, the huge media collection, and the delicious and fancy but expensive cafe on the top floor that is nice for hosting study groups. Libraries have a reputation for being stuffy buildings that just store books, but this library does so much more by making itself alive with people everywhere. Pro-tip: The toilets are next to the entrance, immediately to the left of the doors as soon as you walk in, down a staircase next to the guard station. They cost 20 cents. If you're with your child however you can use the children's toilet in the children's section for free if you get the key from the librarian. It says it's strictly for children's use and not adult use, but it saves you having to go down all those stairs to the main toilet while dragging your kid along. read more

Clean lines, modern interior, great penthouse cafe- this library really is amazing to visit. As an English-speaking expat, I want to point out that the English book selection here is really good as well. And you can look up their entire collection online before you go to see if they have the book, or if it is rented out. Extremely useful! Membership is only about 30 euro per year, and you check your own books out by a machine. Couldn't be easier. read more

What a cool cool place! It is super modern and huge! It is located right by central station, just turn left as you are exiting the main entrance. After about a 5 minute walk you can't miss the huge "Openbare Bibliotheek" sign. There are comfy chairs, "beds" couches, desks, any many other things scattered all over the library on every floor as well as computers (Mac and PC) which are free to use no matter if you are a member or not. There is a huge selection of magazines on newspapers, as well as CDs/DVDs. Books are available in many many subjects and all the cases al labels as to what is in them somewhat similar to a bookstore. Books here are not limited to just Dutch books, there is also a selection of books in other languages as well. Don't miss going to the top floor for a spectacular (and free) view of Amsterdam from the outside terrace. Also on the top floor is a La Place so you can get some food or drink while you are there as well. Speaking of food there is also a restaurant on the first level as well although I have not eaten there. There even have a mini museum gallery (also free) with rotating exhibits. This is a great place to visit not only for those who live in Amsterdam but for visitors as well. Can be a nice relaxing break from the walking around the city and you can get some great pictures to take home from that terrace. I highly highly recommend going and just wandering around the place. you are sure to find something to hold your interest. read more

Libraries are one of my "things." I love visiting and exploring them. WOW. This is an incredible place. It's large, there's an insanely large collection of movies and music as well as books, of course. Go all the way up to the top floor, walk out to the balcony and enjoy the view of Amsterdam. This library HAS A CAFE IN IT. It's also located on the top floor. This is a really nice place for tourists like myself to relax for a little while, grab a bite to eat and write postcards in peace. This library is open until 10pm! If I lived in Amsterdam, I think it would be very hard to drag me away from this place. Also, if you're a tourist, you can buy internet time on the computer terminals (or wi-fi) pretty cheaply. Beautiful, modern, quiet, lively. read more

One of the great libraries of the world, but not just for the obvious reason (its book collection). It's great because it wants to be part of the city and the community. It wants to attract children, tourists, commuters on their way home, and everyone in between. There's a piano in the lobby (trained pianists can just sit down and play for 30 minutes apiece). There's a (really good) cafe on the top floor with lots of choices. There's an outdoor terrace from which you can enjoy a unique panorama. There's a children's section that is so big and welcoming that I bet kids drag their parents here. There's an auditorium that hosts events and a Last-Minute Ticket shop. Have a mentioned that it's open 10am-10pm? (No small thing in early-closing Amsterdam.) A library with soul, as beautiful inside as it is outside. read more

What a sight for the eyes. I have never seen such an amazing library before. I never wanted to leave! Base color for everything was white, instantly bright. Hey, you're in a library, the goal is to keep people awake! Not make them more tired than they probably are. This library had energy and made you feel alive. Have stairs and escalators, because there are multiple levels -- and while libraries are boring, dark colors, with no energy or life, it's not the case here. You want to explore every floor! Plenty of public computers on various levels. One weird thing was that I put my very small bag on the table beside me/my mouse, and a library worker came over and told me to put it on the floor. It didn't make sense why a bag on the table was such a big deal? Or that actually caught his attention. I could only assume they worry about cleanliness of their tables...but still an odd request. It wasn't a huge messy bag. It was one of those tiny string things that go around your back. But he was friendly and polite, so no matter. Cute, colorful chairs throughout. I took a cute pic of my mom near the magazines. My mom and I spent several days here on and off using their computers to email my dad. They have a cafe area, and it's BIG! Like restaurant style big, with cozy looking tables, lots of noise of people eating and chatting. I was waiting to go back to our hostel, but my mom was taking forever using the bathroom upstairs, and by the time she came back down I realized she had been buying goodies! A chocolate cake slice to be exact. Was good, fresh, moist, but not as sweet as I was accustomed to chocolate cakes being. Bathrooms can sometimes have a line, at least the women's. I forget if you need to pay, or it's one of those "recommended tips" type of deal. read more

One of my favorite places in the world. Though I didn't get a membership as I had access to student libraries for free, I believe it's around 30 euros for a yearly membership. When I lived here wifi was free for anyone, but if that's changed, I would absolutely spring for a membership as I studied here a lot. The English books section is fairly small, but of course the collection of Dutch books is extensive. There's also great magazine and music areas-- they have thousands of CDs. There's a piano in the library and since there's a music conservatory next door, music often fills up the lobby. The library is divided into 7 floors, with escalators running straight through the middle. Each floor is decorated differently and has a variety of tables, chairs, personal "pods", benches, desks, etc. On the bottom floor there is a magical children's area, and on the sixth floor there is an art gallery/exhibition space on one side. The top floor is a restaurant (buffet-cafe style) and a movie theatre. Great space and delicious food, really nice to be able to pick up a coffee and snack after a day of studying. Tons of tables and a balcony with the best view of Amsterdam you're ever gonna get. read more

This is an excellent library in Amsterdam. I really love libraries, and value the role they place in communities. I also enjoy seeing modern libraries, and how their architecture compares with the beautiful old libraries such as the National Library of Ireland, the New York Public Library, and the Edinburgh Central Lending Library. This library is Amsterdam is really well designed. I like it a lot. Spread over seven floors, there are loads of aesthetically pleasing features, such as single person "pods", and a gorgeous view from the top floor. The top floor also houses a large café/restaurant, with a huge selection of food and drink. Really. You could justify visiting this library just for the food. Definitely recommended. read more

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Overrated in my opinion ! Design is ok, you got a great view from the top floor + a buffet restaurant/coffee, that's all. Otherwise, nothing that special about this library. I've been to many public libraries in the World (Seattle/Montreal/Seoul/...) and I was more impressed by those ones than the one in Amsterdam. I'm sure there is more interesting things to see in Amsterdam. read more

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This is the most impressive public library I've ever been to. Unique architecture, loads of books, music, and DVDs, lots of natural light, self check-in and check-out machines, it's all great. The view of Amsterdam from the La Place on the top floor is also awesome. One complaint: I feel like there aren't enough toilets- there are some on the ground floor as you walk in, some at La Place at the top floor and then I have tried in vain to find others. Otherwise good. Members have free wi-fi which is also nice. read more

Who would think a library would be an interesting place to stop by while in Amsterdam? This beautiful modern building is worth a stop if your in the area, the interior is super inviting and the top floor cafe is a nice place to have a coffee and take a rest. I have been there 20 times and the observation deck has never been open, but the views are still great from the top floor. read more

The OpenBare Bibliotheek is very relaxing public library right in the center of Amsterdam and next to the train station. It's full of students everywhere in the secret weird shaped audio booths that are private, or scattered in comfortable chairs over -looking the water. Either way a very modern library and a great place to hang out and read and then upstairs to la Place (restaurant) for a quick bite to eat. read more

A very special library. Me and my friends were well impressed, esp with the media collections. Yes you have to pay for membership and stuff, but libraries gotta run somehow! I'm from a country where public libraries are being shut down left right and centre, so long live this one. Great cafe at the top too, def get a tart if you're up there! lovely staff. read more

My top favorite place to go to in Amsterdam. I could seriously just hop off the train and Centraal and walk a quarter of a mile and find this gem to the left of Centraal. The 7th floor has the whole view of Amsterdam and you can enjoy all different types of food cooked right in front of you at La Place buffet. The library is nice to check out too if you have the time to spend. How I miss you so. read more

Absolutely amazing place for book lovers and nerds alike. When tax money gets used to build book paradises like this, who cares about paying half your income in taxes. Across from a strangely conceived behemoth of a Chinese restaurant, the views from the upper floors of this library are beautiful and it's a wonderful place to take a breather away from the tourist madness across the street. Open 10-10 every day, so a great place to hang out and read before the shops open, or a great place to unwind after a hard-charging day around the heart of Amsterdam. Also, the bathrooms are 0.20 euros instead of the usual 0.50 ;) read more

Great library. There are printing services on the second floor, a restaurant and bar with a great view on floor 7 (la place coffee). Events are held in other parts of the library and there is a large audiovisual section. There's a great kids library and often someone playing the piano on the ground floor read more

This library has a beautiful view of the water. Its clean, large, well organized, has plenty of comfy seating areas. It has a La Place cafe on the top floor, with solid food choices. Great spot to do some writing or research. Only down side is that they charge for internet. read more

I befriended a girl on the plane to Amsterdam who had a 9 hour layover in the Netherlands before her final destination. She said she planed on just waiting in the airport and I encouraged her to venture out in the city and I'll show her around. about 2 hours into walking around town I suddenly felt the jetlag and left her at this library. I felt kinda bad. but there was free internet so at least she can watch videos on youtube until her flight i guess. read more