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Reading Room

Our library has a large collection of early printed books, long-forgotten periodicals and extensive reference works. While we do not loan these works, you can take a closer look at them in our Reading Room.

The Reading Room of the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library is a place where people come to study and where silence reigns supreme. Where you can consult the books, periodicals and other materials in our collections or study quietly. The library offers 76 workstations as well as wireless Internet.

Take a look at our publications

We do not loan our publications but you can take a closer look at them in our Reading Room once you have registered. Reserve the work you are interested in through our library catalogue. You can do this in the Reading Room – the work will be available at the desk 20 minutes later – or online before your visit, so the book will be ready when you arrive.

A few hundred reference works, some of which also exist in digital form, are available for free consultation. The current volume of frequently requested periodicals and the day’s newspapers are always available at the desk.

Have the library’s employees conduct research for you

If you cannot make it to our library, one of our employees can conduct research for you. Short research (that lasts less than 30 minutes) is free. Otherwise you will be charged 37 euros/hour, supplemented with the cost for the copies or scans and stamps.

Request help with your research by sending an e-mail or call + 32 3/338.87.34.

Special collections

Specific arrangements apply for some collection items – such as early printed books and manuscripts or publications on microfilm. Depending on the nature of the document, you can take photos, scans or copies of it. You can order high-quality scans from the library’s reproduction service by sending an e-mail. Enquire with our employees about this service.