Friendship is a serious affection; the most sublime of all affections, because it is founded on principle, and cemented by time. -Mary Wollstonecraft

As the oldest university library in the Netherlands, the UBL has since 1575 provided its students and staff with the scientific literature that they require. In addition, others (graduates, scholars from other institutes, foreign researchers) also use the treasures that the succeeding librarians have acquired through the centuries.

At present you can access 3 million books. 87.000 journals and many other documents through the electronic Catalogue. Among these are precious and often unique objects,  such as Medieval manuscripts, incunables, old prints, letters, maps, drawings, prints and photographs. Part of these are gifts from private collectors, but UBL also acquires a large number of objects by purchase with funds from Stichting Vrienden van de Universitaire Bibliotheken Leiden(Friends of Leiden University Libraries).

Since the foundation was founded in 1999 Friends of Leiden University Libraries has contributed on several occasions to the purchase of important objects for research and teaching. These include Medieval manuscripts, a unique nineteenth-century album amicorum by a Leiden Scholar, several early modern books or a couple of beautifully coloured specimens of school books printed in Leiden in mint condition. Funds from Friends of Leiden University Libraries are always spent on extraordinary objects. Everyone who appreciates UBL can become a Friend: students, alumni, guardians of our cultural heritage, succesful entrepreneurs, etc. The libary can always use your support! The minimum contribution is €35,- (students €10,-). A higher contribution is always welcomed.

Friends of Leiden University Libraries is a public benefit organisation (ANBI). That makes your donations to the Friends tax-deductible.

Friendship comes from two sides. As a Friend you don't only give, you also receive. We will invite you to lectures, openings of exhibitions, themed activities and other occasions, both public and exclusively to Friends.

You can apply at our secretariat in writing, by e-mail or by telephone stating your name, full address, telephone number and e-mail address to:

Secretariat Friends of Leiden University Libraries
PO Box 9501 
2300 RA Leiden

Tel: (0031) (0)71 527 2832

E-mail: vrienden@library.leidenuniv.nl  

You will receive a payment slip for your membership.