Friends of the University Library

As a friend of the University Library you support the purchase of special books, manuscripts and maps for the benefit of research and teaching at Leiden University.

Friendship is a serious affection; the most sublime of all affections, because it is founded on principle, and cemented by time.  - Mary Wollstonecraft
Leiden University Library
As the oldest university library in the Netherlands, Leiden University Library 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 catalogues. 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 the University Library also acquires a large number of objects by purchase with funds from Stichting Vrienden van de Leidse Universiteitsbibliotheek (Friends of the University Library).
Friends of Leiden University Library
Since the foundation was founded in 1999 Stichting Vrienden van de Leidse Universiteitsbibliotheek (Friends of Leiden University Library) has contributed on several occasions to the purchase of important objects for research and teaching. These include Medieval sheet music, a unique nineteenth-century album amoricum by a Leiden Scholar or a couple of beautifully coloured specimens of school books printed in Leiden in mint condition. Funds from the Stichting Vrienden van de Leidse Universiteitsbibliotheek is always spent on extraordinary objects.
Become a friend
Everyone who appreciates the Leiden University Library can become a member of Vrienden van de UB: students, alumni, guardians of our cultural heritage, succesful entrepreneurs, etc. The libary can always use your support! The minimum contribution is € 17,50 (students € 5). A higher contribution is always welcomed.

You can apply by sending your name, full address, telephone number and e-mail address to:

Secretariaat
Vrienden van de Leidse Universiteitsbibliotheek
Postbus 9501
2300 RA Leiden
Friendship
Friendship comes from two sides. As a friend you don't only give, you also receive:
  • You frequently receive the magazine Omslag
  • You receive invitations to activities in the University Library, such as opening receptions of exhibitions.
  • You are invited at least twice a year (exclusive to friends) to attend a seminar, a book presentation, an excursion or a lecture.
Board of the friends of Leiden University library.
  • prof. mr. J.H. Nieuwenhuis, voorzitter
  • prof. dr. H.M. Dupuis, penningmeester
  • prof. dr. H. Beukers
  • drs. K. van Ommen
  • dr. B.P.M. Dongelmans
  • drs. A.R. Sterrenburg
Committee of reccomendation of the Friends
  • F.J. Duparc, MA
  • Anna Enquist
  • Maarten 't Hart
  • Dr A.H.G. Rinnooy Kan
  • Dr A.H.E.M. Wellink