Centrale Bibliotheek – Central Library

Image by L.V.M. van Daalen

If it was up to me, I would write an article about every bookstore in Rotterdam I can find. Since I work in a bookstore. I spend most of my salary on books. And I almost have my own private library. (That’s subjective, I think it isn’t nearly enough, but a lot of friends think I have a library…).

Nothing is more perfect for browsing and relaxed reading than the Central Library. To borrow books, you need to have a membership card. But just sitting inside reading your books on a sofa or couch, that’s absolutely free. And besides books they have magazines, newspapers, a children’s book-playground, a youth corner, computers with Internet access, copy machines,… and a lot more.

I go here sometimes with my son on a Wednesday afternoon. There is someone reading to the children at 14.00. Although he is becoming a little bit too old for that. I also come here now and then, when I have to wait for an appointment. And of course to study the library is a perfect place.

It’s a big building that looks like a giant factory. It also contains a theater, a discotheque (for cd-rental), an information desk about Rotterdam and a cafe. Their escalators take you upstairs all the way to the sixth floor giving you a nice view over the centre of Rotterdam. They have a monthly theme and there’s always some kind of exhibition going on.

Picture: In the main hall of the Library there’s a major chess game.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Centrale Bibliotheek | Art & culture, Relaxing | Free
Hoogstraat 110 | Center | +3110281611
Mon 13:00 – 20:00, Tue – Fri 10:00 – 20:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00
Wintertime (till May 30th) Sun 13:00 – 17:00