Amsterdam for Book Lovers
Discover the Dutch Capital's literary Landmarks
Amsterdam has been selected as the UNESCO World Book Capital 2008, but has plenty to offer literature fans at any time.
UNESCO initiated World Book Capital in 1996, when Madrid was selected as the first capital to hold the title. The initiative was so successful that it was decided to nominate a different city every year thereafter.
Since the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century, Amsterdam has fostered its own writers and attracted those fleeing persecution elsewhere. This open-mindedness and dedication to books and reading is acknowledged in the city’s selection as the 2008 World Book Capital. It will hold the title until April 22, 2009. Even when this title passes to another city, however, Amsterdam has plenty to offer lovers of the written word. Here is a list of some of the Dutch capital’s most important literary landmarks.
Anne Frank
Anne Frank is perhaps one of Holland’s best known literary figures. This is as a result of her famous diary, the majority of which she wrote in hiding in Amsterdam.
Anne arrived in the Netherlands in 1933, when her Jewish family fled the Nazi regime in Germany. She received her diary for her 13th birthday on June 12, 1942. Less than a month later, she and her family were forced into hiding in what became known as the Secret Annex in a house on Prinsengracht.
The Franks and another family lived in these cramped quarters until August 4, 1944, when they were betrayed and deported to concentration camps in Germany. Anne’s father, Otto Frank, was the only one to survive the war.
It is in large part thanks to his efforts that the house on Prinsengracht was preserved and Anne’s diary was published. The house has been a museum since 1960 and visitors can still see the Secret Annex where Anne wrote of her daily life and innermost thoughts.
Anne’s diary was first published in Dutch in June 1947. Her candid and, for her age, unusually accomplished writing style seemed to strike a chord with readers. The Dutch historian Jan Romein wrote of it: “...this apparently inconsequential diary by a child...embodies all the hideousness of fascism, more so than all the evidence at Nuremberg put together.”
The diary has since been translated into nearly 70 languages and is one of the most widely read books in the world.
Public Library
Located on Oosterdokskade 143, an up-and-coming area just east of Central Station, Amsterdam's Public Library is both a wonder of modern architecture and a 10-floor treasure trove of words.
The modern, glass-fronted building was designed by Jo Coenen, a former Dutch state architect. The interior, which is light and welcoming and includes unusual features such as round bookshelves, reflects the library’s mission to be an open house for anyone hungry for knowledge.
The library is open daily. The building is certainly worth a visit in itself, but non-members are also welcome to browse the shelves and make use of the internet facilities and a mind-boggling array of international magazines and newspapers.
Ask at the library about the literary events planned in Amsterdam throughout 2008. Telephone +31(0)20 523 0800.
American Book Center
If you are looking to stock up on reading material during your stay in Amsterdam, head to the American Book Center. This emporium of English-language books is centrally located on Spui 12 and sells everything from new fiction to travel guides to history books. Open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Call +31(0)20 625 5537 for further information.
Look out also for the secondhand and antique book market that sets up on the square outside the bookstore every Friday.
Want to know what else there is to do in Amsterdam? Click here.
