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Foto: Ans Brys

Reading room

In our reading room you can consult all collection items of the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library. You can also search our digital databases and have reproductions made. And for those who want to get to know the library and its heritage collections in more detail, there are our introductory sessions or workshops.

Reading room opening hours

The reading room is open at these times:

From September, 15th until June, 15th

  • MON, TUE and THU from 9 am to 6 pm;
  • WED from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m;
  • FRI from 9 am to 5 pm;
  • SAT from 9 am to 1 pm.

From June, 16th until September 14th

  • MON-FRI from 9 am to 5 pm.

Free membership

Not yet a member of our library? Then apply first for your FREE MEMBERSHIP.

Safety Precautions

We follow corona measures in society. A mouth mask is no longer mandatory. We ask you to continue to respect the measures below:

  • Keep a distance of 1.5 m as far as possible.
  • Wash or disinfect your hands regularly. Hand gels are provided at all desks, as well as disinfectant sprays with which you can disinfect your own table, chair or computer.
  • Stay at home if you feel ill. You can also make your enquiries via our digital service (see below).

Request your books and magazines in advance

To organise a visit to the reading room as efficiently as possible, we ask you to reserve the books, magazines or newspapers you want to consult online via the catalogue as much as possible in advance. Switch to English in the upper right-hand corner.

Having problems ordering works from our catalogue? We explain it here step by step.

Works that you have reserved via the catalogue remain available in the reading room in your name for a fortnight.

Computers and microfilm

Computers and microfilm machines can be used freely (without making a reservation).

Scanning and photocopying

You can use the photocopying and scanning equipment yourself. Scans are free of charge, prints are charged. Ask one of our reading room staff for more information in advance.

Cash-free payment

You can pay cash-free in the Hendrik Conscience Heritage Library. 
We accept Bancontact, Mastercard, Maestro, VISA and V Pay. You can also pay with QR code, Discover, Diners, JCB, CUP and Visa Electron.

Digital service

We also continue to help you remotely. We scan articles from magazines, chapters from books, contributions from catalogues, etc. for you free of charge and mail them to you. If you have a good idea of what information you are looking for, you do not need to come to the library.

If possible, we will also help you with other information requests by e-mail or telephone: +32 3 338 87 10.

Not yet a member of our library? Request your free membership here and then send us your (scan) questions exclusively via e-mail.

Rules and regulations

By using our reading room, you agree to our reading room regulations.