Limited access to the Reading Room Special Collections
From Monday 21 December onwards, the Reading Room Special Collections will be accessible only to Leiden University researchers and students relying on the Special Collections. This way, the library can meet the government's wish to continue conducting research while limiting travel movements. The Reading Room Special Collections will not be open to other users.
Applying for a visit
A total of 13 workplaces is available in the reading room. From Monday to Friday, the time slots to choose from are: 09:00 to 11:00, 11:30 to 13:30 and 14:00 to 17:00. Users may choose to reserve consecutive time slots to extend their session.
To apply for a workspace, send an e-mail - using your Leiden University email account - to specialcollections@library.leidenuniv.nl. Please indicate in your e-mail on which day and time slot(s) you would like to visit the reading room, and which items you would like to view. Your request must be sent in no later than 12:00 on the workday prior to your intended visit. We will inform you as to the availability of a seat during your preferred time slot. Approval of applications is handled in order of receipt.
If you have any symptoms possibly related to coronavirus, such as a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, loss of smell or taste, shortness of breath, or fever, stay at home.
Wearing a face mask is mandatory in the libraries, as is social distancing. Only while sitting at your reserved seat, you may temporarily remove the face mask.
All workplaces are cleaned thoroughly between visits. Consulted items are kept in quarantine for two days after use.
Access to the Reading Room
When your application has been approved, you are welcome to visit during the agreed upon time. Please report to the UB reception desk to have your registration checked, after which you will be admitted to the library. We ask you to thoroughly wash your hands before entering the library, and follow the indicated route.
Once in the reading room, please report to the desk. Staff will show you your workplace, and provide you with the requested items. Walking routes are indicated on the floor, so that passing one another is kept to a minimum. After your visit, please return all documents or objects at the desk, and leave the room by the indicated route, accompanied by a staff member.