The Amsterdam Public Library is the central one of three large new buildings on the restructured Oosterdokseiland, near the Central Station. The programme consists of a library of almost 30,000 m2 (including theatre), a large café, and 9,000 m2 of office space. As in the Milan library design, also by Coenen, a raised plinth offers a refined transitional area between the upper and lower floors. The reading and study rooms are like terraces and are placed around large and tall empty spaces. A terrace on the top floor accommodates the library theatre and conference rooms.
The main shape of the building is attuned to the surroundings: both the apartments on the west side and the wide avenue on the east side leading to the conservatory must receive enough sunlight. At the same time, situated as it is beside the open waters of the Oosterdok, the library has to contribute to an attractive skyline.
The library is the largest in the Netherlands and will be open to the public seven days a week from 10 o’clock in the morning to 10 o’clock at night.