KB National Library of the Netherlands, National library in The Hague, Netherlands
KB National Library of the Netherlands is a national library in The Hague storing seven million publications, from books to newspapers, magazines, and maps across 115 kilometers of shelving. The building includes reading rooms with wide windows, storage areas for rare editions, and a digital catalog section with workstations for users.
The institution opened in November 1798 and received its royal status from King Louis Bonaparte in 1806. It moved to the current modern building in 1982 after several relocations throughout earlier centuries.
The reading rooms follow the Dutch tradition of quiet, shared workspaces where scholars and writers sit side by side at long wooden tables under natural light. Many items bear handwritten notes and dedications from previous owners, connecting readers directly to past users of these books.
Access to the reading rooms requires an annual membership that also provides entry to over 150 digital collections and interlibrary loan services. Visitors should check in advance whether requested materials are directly available or need to be ordered beforehand.
The institution preserves around two billion digital files and holds the Trivulzio Book of Hours, a medieval manuscript with finely crafted Flemish miniature paintings. Many pages reveal tiny details in the margin decorations that only become visible on closer inspection.
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