Amsterdam Libraries
You'll need
to present proof of residence in Amsterdam and ID if you want to
join a library (bibliotheek) and borrow books. However, in the public
libraries (Opening Hours: bare bibliotheek) you can read books, papers and
magazines without membership or charge.
American
Institute
Address: Plantage Muidergracht 12
Phone: +31 (0)20 5254380
Tram: 7, 9
Metro: Waterlooplein.
Opening Hours: 10am-4pm Mon, Wed, Fri; closed Tue, Thur, Sat, Sun.
British Council
Education Centre Oxford House
Address: Nieuwizijds Voorburgwal 328L
Phone: +31 (0)20 421 704
Fax: +31 (0)20 4217003
Tram: 1, 2, 5, 13, 14, 17.
Opening Hours: Telephone enquiries 9.30am-5pm Mon-Thur; closed Fri-Sun.
In person 1-5pm Tue, Wed; 1am-6pm Thur; closed Mon, Fri-Sun.
Centrale
Bibliotheek
Address: Prinsengracht 587
Phone: +31 (0)20 5230900
Tram: 1, 2, 5.
Opening Hours: 1-9pm Mon; 10am-9pm Tue-Thur; 10am-5pm Fri, Sat.
Oct-Apr also 1-5pm Sun.
Anyone is welcome
to use this, the main public library, for reference purposes. There
is a variety of English-language books and newspapers and a small
coffee bar.
General
Bookshops
American Book Center
Since 1972, this shop has specialised in English- language books
and magazines from the UK and US, and the four floors are packed
with titles on every conceivable subject. Fuel up on bagels at the
basement branch of Gary's Muffins.
Address: Kalverstraat 185
Phone: +31 (0)20 625 5537
Website: American
Book Center
Tram: 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 14, 16, 20, 24, 25.
Opening Hours: 10am-8pm Mon-Wed, Fri, Sat; 10am-10pm Thur; 11am-7pm
Sun.
Credit Card: AmEx, DC, MC, V.
Athenaeum
A favourite hangout among Amsterdam's highbrow browsers, Athenaeum
stocks newspapers from all over the world, as well as a wide choice
of magazines, periodicals and good-quality books in many languages.
Address: Nieuwscentrum Spui 14-16
Phone: +31 (0)20 622 6248
Website: Athenaeum
Tram: 1, 2, 5.
Opening Hours: Bookshop 11am-6pm Mon; 9.30am-6pm Tue, Wed, Fri,
Sat; 9.30am-9pm Thur; noon-5.30pm Sun.
Credit Card: AmEx, MC, V.
Book Exchange
An Aladdin's cave of second-hand English and American books (mainly
paperbacks). The owner is a shrewd buyer who'll do trade deals,
and offers a 10% discount to anyone with a copy of this guide.
Address: Kloveniersburgwal 58
Phone: +31 (0)20 626 6266
Tram: 4, 9, 14, 20
Metro Nieuwmarkt.
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm Mon-Fri; 10am-5.30pm Sat; 11.30am-4pm Sun.
No credit cards.
De Kinderboekwinkel
It's (exclusively) children's books here. The large selection of
books in English and other languages is attractively displayed and
arranged by age.
Address: Rozengracht 34
Phone: +31 (0)20 622 4761
Tram: 13, 14, 17, 20.
Opening Hours: 1-6pm Mon; 10am-6pm. Tue-Fri; 10am-5pm Sat; closed
Sun.
No credit cards.
Branch:
Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 344
Phone: +31 (0)20 622 7741
De Slegte
De Slegte carries a vast number of volumes - including children's
books and textbooks - in English, Dutch and other languages. Stock
is a mix of antiquarian, remaindered and new, and prices are low.
Address: Kalverstraat 48
Phone: +31 (0)20 622 5933
Website: De
Slegte
Tram: 4, 9, 14, 16, 20, 24, 25.
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm Mon; 9.30am-6pm Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat; 9.30am-9pm
Thur; noon-5pm Sun.
Credit Card: AmEx, DC, MC, V
English Bookshop
A literary collection of used and new books, and Dutch authors translated into
English. Large childrens floor.
Books available on-line.
Address: Lauriergracht 71
Phone: +31 (0)20 626 4230
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11-6pm
Sunday and Monday closed.
Website: English Bookshop
Martyrium
A high percentage of the stock here is English-language hardbacks
and paperbacks, including literature, art , history and philosophy.
As 40% of the books are remainders, there are bargains to be had.
Address: Van Baerlestraat 170
Phone: +31 (0)20 673 2092
Tram: 3, 5, 12, 20, 24.
Opening Hours: 9am-6pm Mon-Fri; 9am-5pm Sat; noon-5pm Sun.
No credit cards.
Scheltema
Six floors of books. Specialist areas are medicine, law, economics
and science.
Address: Koningsplein 20
Phone: +31 (0)20 523 1411
Website: Scheltema
Tram: 1, 2, 5.
Opening Hours: 10am-7pm Mon-Wed, Fri; 10am-9pm Thur; 10am-6pm Sat,
Sun.
Credit Card: AmEx, MC, V.
Waterstone's
Waterstone's carries thousands of book titles, as well as magazines
and videos, all in English. The children's section is especially
delightful.
Address: Kalverstraat 152
Phone: +31 (0)20 638 3821
Website: Waterstone's
Tram: 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 14, 16, 20, 24, 25.
Opening Hours: 11am-6pm Mon, Sun; 9am-6pm Tue, Wed; 9am-9pm Thur;
9am-7pm Fri; 10am-7pm Sat.
Credit Card: AmEx, MC, V.
