Neude Library

The former main post office on Neude square is one of Utrecht’s most iconic buildings and a national landmark. Back in the day, post office customers only ever got to see the vast central hall, while the rest of the building was reserved for staff. Since the library opened, the entire space has been accessible to the public, creating a haven for locals and visitors seeking some time out. 

The site where the library stands has a colourful history. It was once home to the nuns of St Cecilia’s convent from 1397 to 1647 and later housed the Royal Dutch Mint. Unsurprisingly, archaeological studies have uncovered a variety of artifacts, including a coin used by city-dwellers to make daily purchases back in 1750. The current building dates from 1924 and was designed by Joseph Crouwel in the Amsterdam School style. 

The old post office 

The building has numerous distinctive features. Outside, gargoyles are perched high above the front façade. Inside, visitors are welcomed into the heart of the building: a high-ceilinged hall adorned with towering statues bearing the names of the continents, designed by Hendrik van den Eijnde, who also created the glazed bricks in the shape of carrier pigeons about to land. Little wonder this awe-inspiring building had an illustrious nickname, ‘Temple of Post & Telegraph’.

Opening hours

• Monday 9.00 am – 9.00 pm
• Tuesday 9.00 am – 9.00 pm
• Wednesday 9.00 am – 9.00 pm
• Thursday 9.00 am – 9.00 pm
• Friday 9.00 am – 9.00 pm
• Saturday 9.00 am – 9.00 pm
• Sunday 10.00 am – 6.00 pm

Extra information

If you have any questions, you will find a staff member at each of the library’s departments from noon to 6.00 pm. At other times, the library has a skeleton staff, with customer service representatives available at the second-floor desk.

Facilities

• Computers (including practice computers)
• Computers with internet connection
• Internet access
• Individual and group work and study spaces
• Café
• Reading table
• Printers and photocopiers
• Bistro
• Exhibition space
• Teaching and meeting room
• Wi-Fi

Open

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

Kids’ tour: Out and about with a postie (8–12 years)

On every first Sunday of the month, children can join a guided tour of Neude Library led by a postie. Posties know a lot about the building, as it used to be a post office! Nowadays, you can come here to borrow books, visit the Lab or watch a performance. By the end of the tour, kids will have learned all about the building and mastered a new alphabet.

This tour is exclusively for children. Parents or guardians are welcome to join an adults-only tour, explore the library independently or enjoy refreshments at Meneer Potter or NODA café.

Free admission