Library
Leiden University Libraries (UBL) has several locations in Leiden and The Hague. As a Leiden University student, you can make use of all locations.
UBL locations and opening hours
Facilities
In the university libraries you can find:
- A large collection of scholarly information, both digital and paper-based;
- Special collections: manuscripts, archives, early editions, maps, prints and photos from all over the world;
- A quiet place to study, alone or in a group.
Access with your LU-Card
To use the university's library facilities you will need an activated LU-Card.
More information
On the UBL website you can find the latest information on library facilities, locations and opening times.
Leiden University Libraries (UBL) websiteThere are several libraries available to LUC students, such as the Leiden University Library, the Royal Library of The Netherlands, the Peace Palace Library and the Public Library.
Leiden University Library (UbL)
With your Student Card you have access to the Leiden University Library (UBL). Its collection comprises millions of books, ten thousands of magazines, hundred thousands of special collections and access to even more digital materials. The library offers more than 530 study areas: with or without computers, wireless internet, laptop facilities and individual carrels. Next to the main library (at the Witte Singel 26-27, Leiden) there are also specialised locations: Law Library, Social and Behavioral Sciences Library, and Faculty of Science Libraries. For more information, addresses, and opening hours, please consult the library's website.
The Library Learning Centre (at Schouwburgstraat) offers the possibility to request library books to be picked up at the Library Learning Centre at Schouwburgstraat. For more information about this service, please visit their website.
The Digital Library offers access to many journal articles, databases, e-books, and other digital documents. Students can access this service by logging in with their UCLN and password. For more information, please read the information about the library information systems.
Royal Library of The Netherlands
Situated next to the Central Station is the Royal Library of the Netherlands (Koninklijke Bibliotheek: KB). It offers a large collection of academic books as well as study places and computer work stations. You are strongly recommended to register with this library as many books used in the courses will be available here on the reserved shelves. You can register online or upon your first visit to the KB (please consult the site for details on how to register). Reading room passes which only give you access to the computers and not to the book collection are free, and a regular year pass can be purchased with student discount for € 7,50. For more information, address, and opening hours and registration procedure, please consult the library's website.
Peace Palace Library
The Peace Palace in The Hague not only houses the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration but also the world’s most renowned library collection of public international law materials. The Peace Palace Library offers a large collection in the field of international law since 1913. A large part of the collection is searchable through their online catalogue. The library is closed during the weekends. Please note that without a valid ID you cannot visit the library. For more information, address, and opening hours, please consult the library's website.
Public Library
The public library of The Hague, with its main building situated at Spui 68, is close to LUC. The library has a large collections of books, CDs and DVDs. There are silent areas with reading tables and wireless internet connection. On the ground floor there is a small reading café offering snacks and beverages. For more information, addresses, and opening hours, please consult the library's website.