Many people enjoy doing research or working on projects using our collection. To make this possible, we organize the Open Reading Room every Tuesday.
Our international collection houses a wealth of subjects from all eras. With an impressive collection of manuscripts, early printed books, and contemporary works, we offer a comprehensive overview of Western European book art from the sixth century to the present day. Whether you are at the beginning of a new research project or are an experienced maker: you are warmly welcome to come read, work, and discover in this inspiring environment.
At a glance
What: Conducting research in the museum collection.
When: Every Tuesday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Access: Free walk-in for researchers, curators and artists.
How it works
In the Open Reading Room, you will find a large, open-shelf collection of over 100 meters of books that you can take directly from the shelves yourself. These are primarily resources on the history of the book, type design, and typography. You will also find all the 'Best Dutch Book Designs' (Best Verzorgde Boeken) from 1986 onwards. Have you found specific material from the storage depot in our online catalog? Our staff will try to retrieve it for you that very same day.
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For personal assistance, a staff member is available to support you every Tuesday between 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. In addition, at 1:00 PM, we highlight a special piece from the collection and share the story behind it.
Practical information
You are welcome to work on your own laptop in the reading room. Please note that we ask for valid identification if you wish to consult material from the storage depot. To protect the original works, we sometimes provide a digital version instead of the physical copy for highly fragile or valuable books.
Registration and preparation (optional)
Although you can simply walk in, we recommend preparing for your visit by sending an email to collectie@huisvanhetboek.nl at least one week in advance. If you let us know what project you are working on or what you are researching, our staff can prepare a relevant selection of books for you in advance, or contact you for additional information to make your visit as smooth and productive as possible.
