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OBA - Amsterdam's Central Public Library
The OBA (Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam) is Amsterdam's main public library located near Central Station. At 28,000 square metres spread over 10 levels, the OBA is the largest public library in Europe and an excellent spot to spend a couple of hours. |
 | The building, opened on July 7th 2007, was designed by noted Dutch architect Jo Coenen. It has a modern and striking look. The OBA is located on the Oosterdokseiland, a new development just to the east of Central Station. The whole docklands area contains fine examples of modern Dutch architecture. If you wish to explore the area further check out our Amsterdam walk to Java Island. |
The library is reasonably easy to reach on foot - come out of the station and walk east for 5 -10 minutes towards the green ship-like Nemo Science museum. Before reaching the Nemo, you will see the OBA just next to the Sea Garden floating Chinese restaurant. There is continuing building work in the area so temporary walkways are present for the time being.
Inside the library there is a large selection of Dutch / international newspapers and magazines on level 0.5 and this includes a small V&D La Place Panini 'Reading Cafe'. There are more than 1,000 seats spread all over the building, including many computer and internet points. So if you need to read, study, research, check your email or just escape the rain, the OBA is a welcome place to hang-out. Note, you do need to be an Amsterdam resident to join the library and borrow items.
OBA Library layout
Level -1 (pictured below left) is an area reserved for children.
The upper levels contain the collection of books, CDs, DVDs as follows:
Level
2 - Literature / Comics
Level 3 - Travel / History
Level 4 - Art / Music
Level
5 - Health / Nature / Study Centre
Level 6 - Business / Philosophy / Theatres
Level
7 - V&D
restaurant with the "Jo Coenen" Panorama Terrace, toilets, theatre
At the entrance of the library is the Vapiano Pizza and Pasta Restaurant with outside terrace.
The OBA is (incredibly for Netherlands) open 7 days a week from 1000 to 2200.
OBA
Library, Oosterdokskade 143, 1011 DL Amsterdam
Tel 0900-2425468