Library

The city has built a new Public Library, a huge building, almost right next to the Central Station, on the Oosterdokseiland which is being developed. I borrowed some books on the 6 June at the old library, but had to return them to the new one. So I guess I helped move some of the inventory.

I went to the new library today, and it is big. You can see that from the outside, and you keep that feeling once you get inside. It is light and open, and there are 6 floors. It all looks fresh and new, there are many places where you can sit down to read, many computers to use, and a lot of books. I like places with a lot of books.

From the restaurant up on the 7th floor you get a great view of the city, I could even see my office from up there, and you can see as far out as the Zuidas and the Arena. The restaurant is a franchise, I guess, it's big and fairly luxurious. It's a good place for a restaurant, with such a view.

I feel a little nostalgic for the old library though. Not quite so big, a little old and worn, but on the Prinsengracht, to my mind much more in the centre of the city. And there was a small café where you could buy a good coffee for very little money and just sit and read a newspaper.

I found the new library a little overwhelming, and I only went to see a small part of it. I'll go and see a little more next time. Looking at the little plan I took there are a lot of intriguing places to explore. So, to be continued.