The library plays a role of a significant centre for culture, information, communication and education. Bearing in mind the importance of information in the 21st Century, it will provide you with the access to its crucial sources. Gradually the library is becoming more than a warehouse full of books but also an exciting, stimulating and multifarious information source. The new image of the Oosterdokseiland as an 'Island of knowledge' confirms this philosophy.

The 30,000 square metres of space make it one of Europe’s largest libraries, welcoming up to 2 million visitors every year. The design includes energy saving elements such as cold and heat storage in the ground. Still, the building is homely and makes the visitors feel comfortable and relaxed. The complex consists also of a theatre, a large cafe, and 9,000 square metres of office space. The reading and study rooms look like terraces, placed around large and tall empty spaces. The terrace on the top floor accommodates the theatre and the conference rooms.

The themes are dependant on the floor. Starting from the basement you'll be in Children's corner; Ground floor is the Entrance with Reception and Toilets, Newspapers/ magazines and a reading cafe. On the first floor you'll find Multimedia, CDs and DVDs. For novels go to the second floor. Third floor is reserved for Travel and History fourth floor for Art and Music, while the fifth floor is where the Health and study rooms are. Sixth floor is for Philosophy and Social work and the Seventh for Theater. Also La Place restaurant is to be found on the last floor.

There is a Music Department where world music and jazz form this unique collection that includes exceptional sets from Brazil and Indonesia. The LP collection is easy to find in the catalogue, you can search either under band, artist, composer name or title. The department also houses the scientific section of the Stichting Toonkunstbibliotheek (Music Library Foundation) along with its large collection of antiquarian sheet music and songbooks.

There is so much information about Europe and the EU available, that sometimes it is very difficult to know where to start looking for the information you need. Because of that, the European Commission has created an information network in all EU member countries known as the Europe Direct information network. The Amsterdam Public Library is a part of it.

The library boasts 27 branches in Amsterdam, Diemen en Ouder-Amstel. In total the libraries own 1.6 million books and other media. The Central Library is one of the nationally co-operating libraries playing a scientific support function for non-university students.

Computer facilities feature 110 terminals to explore the collection, 50 multimedia work stations, 11 print and copy stations. The garage has enough capacity for 1,200 cars and 2,000 bicycles.