Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam

500 meters east of the Central Station lies the Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam aka OBA, the largest library in the Netherlands. The seven-floor, ​​28,000 square meters building is open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (except public holidays). It can accommodate one and a half million books, sheet music, magazines, CDs, DVDs, microfiches, games, and blu-rays. There are more than 1,000 seats and 490 internet computers inside.

The building, which opened its doors on 7-7-2007, was designed by Jo Coenen. At the end of 2008, the Centrale OBA won the prize for the most sustainable publicly accessible building in Amsterdam. The OBA achieved a high score when it came to accessibility, energy, materials, green & water, and waste. For example, the building has solar panels on the roof and renewable materials have been used for its construction.

Since 1919, the OBA has been the place where Amsterdammers come for their personal development. Whereas in the 20th century this mainly happened with books in libraries, the 21st century requires more forms of learning and a wider range. The challenge for this library is to ensure that all Amsterdammers can participate in the information society and that no one is left behind.

The OBA is committed to an Amsterdam where everyone has equal opportunities. The OBA offers opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills, to actively participate in social life, to develop talents, in short: to enrich your life.

That is why the OBA is always nearby, easily accessible, and relevant for all Amsterdammers. A stimulating and vibrant place, where the many languages ​​and cultures from the city come together, where there is room to learn skills of the 21st century, with attention to social themes such as health, self-reliance, and sustainability.

The OBA also wants to be the city’s place to meet, not only in the center but also in the neighborhoods. We achieve this in collaboration with Amsterdam initiatives and organizations. By sharing the physical and digital spaces with them, a safe, attractive, knowledge-rich public environment is created in all neighborhoods of the city. From, for, and by the residents.

The literal and figurative highlight of the venue is the 7th floor where the OBA Theater is housed with 250 seats. In addition, there is a restaurant with a terrace that offers a spectacular view of the city. More