DOK Library Concept Center, Delft
Discover DOK Library Concept Centre in Delft-a surprisingly vibrant, community-centered cultural hub that transcends the notion of a traditional library.
Opened in 2007, DOK emerged from a visionary merger of literature, music & film (Discotake), and art collections under one roof, evolving into a dynamic media centre, and was named the Netherlands’ best library in 2009. Architecturally, its design balances industrial heritage with inviting modernity: a high glass facade and roof-set into a former blast-furnace building-flood the interior with light, while earthy brick tones echo the industrial past.
Inside, expect bold, color-coded spaces-like a red-tinted romance room or a yellow comic section-and playful, adaptable features such as movable bookcases and “iPod chairs” with built-in speakers. There’s also ‘Tank U’ stations for Bluetooth downloads, gaming consoles, and digital multitouch tables for browsing local history.
More than just books, DOK is alive with creative energy: café areas at its heart invite socializing while cozy nooks offer quiet reading. Children are especially well-catered for, with thoughtfully designed age-based zones featuring step stools and seating built into the shelves. Evenings bring community events like concerts, and collaborative programming-think local chef-cooked dinners or storytelling projects-keep the space lively and inclusive.
For tourists seeking a cultural detour beyond Delft’s famed historic attractions, DOK offers a uniquely immersive experience-where architecture, innovation, community, and creativity converge in a welcoming, multi-sensory environment.
Opened in 2007, DOK emerged from a visionary merger of literature, music & film (Discotake), and art collections under one roof, evolving into a dynamic media centre, and was named the Netherlands’ best library in 2009. Architecturally, its design balances industrial heritage with inviting modernity: a high glass facade and roof-set into a former blast-furnace building-flood the interior with light, while earthy brick tones echo the industrial past.
Inside, expect bold, color-coded spaces-like a red-tinted romance room or a yellow comic section-and playful, adaptable features such as movable bookcases and “iPod chairs” with built-in speakers. There’s also ‘Tank U’ stations for Bluetooth downloads, gaming consoles, and digital multitouch tables for browsing local history.
More than just books, DOK is alive with creative energy: café areas at its heart invite socializing while cozy nooks offer quiet reading. Children are especially well-catered for, with thoughtfully designed age-based zones featuring step stools and seating built into the shelves. Evenings bring community events like concerts, and collaborative programming-think local chef-cooked dinners or storytelling projects-keep the space lively and inclusive.
For tourists seeking a cultural detour beyond Delft’s famed historic attractions, DOK offers a uniquely immersive experience-where architecture, innovation, community, and creativity converge in a welcoming, multi-sensory environment.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Delft. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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DOK Library Concept Center on Map
Sight Name: DOK Library Concept Center
Sight Location: Delft, Netherlands (See walking tours in Delft)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Delft, Netherlands (See walking tours in Delft)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Nearby Sights
Walking Tours in Delft, Netherlands
Create Your Own Walk in Delft
Creating your own self-guided walk in Delft is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
A Walk Through Delft's Historic Old Town
The word "delven" in Dutch means "to dig." The town of Delft began in 1075 when a nobleman decided to build his dream manor where a canal crossed the silted up river Gantel. A settlement became a market town with a large market square. The town was called "Delft."
Canals were vital to Delft. Flat-bottomed boats brought in products, fuel and people. In 1246 Count... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Canals were vital to Delft. Flat-bottomed boats brought in products, fuel and people. In 1246 Count... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
A Walking Guide of Johannes Vermeer's Delft
The Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer (1632 – 1675) spent almost his entire life in his home town, Delft. He left only a few times, towards the end, on the short trips to Amsterdam and The Hague.
The old Delft undoubtedly was one of the most typical little towns of the 17th-century Netherlands, and as such, was rather picturesque. Just like any other Dutch place, Delft was dominated by its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
The old Delft undoubtedly was one of the most typical little towns of the 17th-century Netherlands, and as such, was rather picturesque. Just like any other Dutch place, Delft was dominated by its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles