The best spots in The Hague for book lovers!

Local bookshops and bookstores in The Hague
 

De Vries Van Stockum & The English Bookstore in the Passage

One of the oldest bookshops in The Hague, with two locations in the Passage. These spacious shops are home to thousands of books and are definitely worth a visit for any book lover.

Page Not Found - Boekhorststraat 102 -104

Page Not Found is a unique cultural space in The Hague dedicated to artists’ publications and book art. The beautifully designed bookshop houses a remarkable collection of publications, ranging from rare handmade artists’ books to inspiring poetry, graphic design, photography and art criticism.

Moesson - Noordeinde 122

Bookshop Moesson is an Indonesian-Dutch bookshop and delicatessen in the heart of The Hague, born from the well-known magazine Moesson, founded by writer Tjalie Robinson. Now run by his granddaughter Vivian Boon, whose dream came true: creating a place where Indonesian-Dutch heritage, books, flavours and connection come together.

Colette & Co Boekhandel - Reinkenstraat 45

You’ll instantly fall in love with this iconic little bookshop on Reinkenstraat! Towering stacks of books on chairs, in crates and boxes invite you on an extensive and magical treasure hunt. Hidden gems at bargain prices!

American Book Center - Lange Poten 23

A special spot right in the city centre, with passionate staff and an abundance of English-language books. They also collaborate with various local entrepreneurs to create an international “book buffet”.

De Haagse Boekerij - Frederikstraat 24

An independent shop with neatly organised shelves filled with quality titles and plenty of colour. Eye-catching! There’s also an extensive collection of card racks to browse through, from themed greeting cards (without cheesy slogans) to art cards and personalised designs.

De Haagse Kinderboekhandel Alice in Wonderland - Piet Heinstraat 2

In the creative Zeeheldenkwartier district, this bookshop is impossible to miss: a store run by two passionate owners with a love for illustrations and children’s books. Alongside picture books and children’s books for all ages, you’ll also find puppet theatre, children’s performances and toys.

Museums for bookworms
 

Kinderboekenmuseum/ Literatuurmuseum Den Haag - Prins Willem-Alexanderhof 5

Het Literatuurmuseum (The Literature Museum) is housed together with the Kinderboekenmuseum (Children’s Book Museum). For the very youngest visitors, there’s a colourful world of picture books while teenagers around the age of 14 can enjoy changing exhibitions. Adults can explore manuscripts, letters, photographs, paintings, illustrations and literary objects related to Dutch literature.

Huis van het Boek - Prinsessegracht 30 

Huis van het Boek is the oldest book museum in the world. Its historic book room is a unique example of 19th-century museum design and has been preserved entirely in its original style. The museum focuses on the written and printed book, both past and present. And anyone who thinks the museum is “dusty” is mistaken! There are regularly activities and live music for all ages.

Special libraries in The Hague

Centrale Bibliotheek - Spui 68

At the intersection of Spui and Kalvermarkt, you’ll find the Centrale Bibliotheek (Central Library) in the white building designed by American architect Richard Meier. Open to the public, it’s well worth stepping inside! You’ll find a cosy reading café, extensive collections of books and magazines to read or borrow, and plenty going on — from exhibitions and children’s activities to lectures.

Handelingenkamer - Plein 2a en 2b

De Handelingenkamer (the library of the Dutch House of Representatives) is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the Netherlands. This striking red library, designed in Neo-Dutch Renaissance style, features many Chinese influences. Admire the elegant green-and-red interior, the impressive cast-iron balustrades and spiral staircases, and the remarkable stained-glass roof. Access is only possible during Open Monument Day or on special opening days.

Koninklijke Bibliotheek - Prins Willem-Alexanderhof 5

You can already spot the gold letters “KB” shining on the building next to The Hague Central Station. Over the past 200 years, the Royal Library has grown into a nationally and internationally renowned scientific institution dedicated to collecting the Netherlands’ printed heritage. Since the 1990s, with the rise of the digital world and the decline of paper, the Koninklijke Bibliotheek has also focused on preserving digital heritage. Discover fun and fascinating facts here.

Book cafés in The Hague

Paagman - Lange Poten  13-15 & Frederik Hendriklaan 217

Paagman has two locations in The Hague, both housed in beautiful historic buildings. The branch in the city centre spans four floors, while the location on Frederik Hendriklaan consists of three sections, including the children’s reading paradise Villa Paagman and a café. Enjoy the delicious menu and the authentic Canadian Rocky Mountain Kicking Horse Coffee.

The Bookstor Cafe - Noordeinde 39

This much-loved coffee hotspot is tucked away inside a historic bookshop on Noordeinde. Step into Bookstor and you’ll wonder: is it a bookshop, a living room, a lunch café or a monument? It’s all of them at once!

Book events in The Hague

Besides book signings and book launches at bookshops and libraries, the city also regularly hosts literary events:

• Writers Unlimited
• Boekids
• Crossing Border
• Haagsche Kunst- en Antiekdagen (The Hague Art and Antiques Days)