Bibliotheek van de Universiteit Utrecht (Utrecht University Library), Utrecht

The Utrecht University Library serves as the central scientific information hub of Utrecht University, supporting research and education across its seven faculties. With a main branch in Utrecht Science Park, another in the historic city center, and smaller faculty libraries, the institution offers an extensive collection of over 40 specialized collections, including rare manuscripts, early printed books, and historic maps.

The Utrecht University Library originated in 1584 as the Utrecht City Library in Janskerk. In 1599, Hubert van Buchell enriched it with 2,000 volumes focused on Reformed theology. After Utrecht University was founded in 1636, it became a university library, with Cornelis Booth as its first librarian in 1640.

In 1820, the library moved to the former palace of King Louis Napoleon at Wittevrouwenstraat, which remained a branch after expansion. The biggest transformation came in 2004, with a new modern facility at Utrecht Science Park, designed by Wiel Arets, consolidating 4.2 million books and enhancing digital access.

Over time, Utrecht University Library adapted to the demands of modern academia. Moving beyond traditional cataloging and collection management, it has embraced digital access, open-access publishing, and an extensive electronic repository (Utrecht University Repository). The Science Park building features study rooms, consultation areas, reading spaces, an information center, and a lecture hall, fostering an environment for both individual and collaborative research.

The Special Collections house 700 medieval and 1,000 post-medieval manuscripts, the Utrecht Organ Archive, and 16th-century lecture notes. The library holds 130,000 pre-1801 prints, 1 million 19th-century books, and 3,000 rare works from after 1900. Its map collection includes 6,000 pre-1850 and 170,000 later maps. Bridging history and innovation, Utrecht University Library remains a key hub for research and preservation.