English
The Gouda library is more than just a library. We are a complete network of committed and enthusiastic people and initiatives. Everything we do is based on sharing, exchanging and working together. We are an enterprising organization, hospitable, alert to new developments and willing to experiment. And everything must have added value for the city in which we are anchored. That makes us the best library in the Netherlands.
The Gouda Library is located in the Chocoladefabriek, a former chocolate factory. Here you can find books en study places. Besides, we have four libraries with books for children and two unmanned lending points for adults.
Get a library card
You can become a member directly online or in one of our branches. As a member you can borrow from all our branches and you can choose from a huge collection of books, e-books, audiobooks and magazines.
Benefits for our members:
- Choose from countless numbers of books, e-books, audio books and magazines
- Get discounts on lectures, workshops and other activities of the library and our partners
Are you under 18? The youth subscription gives you free library use until you reach 18 years of age.
Printing in the Chocoladefabriek
Don't have a printer at home? Then you can print your files at the Chocoladefabriek. To do this, go to Mijn menu (if you do this on your phone, choose the web version at the bottom of the page). Via the 'Print' section you upload your files and indicate whether you want them printed in color or in black and white. You can immediately see what the costs are. The print job is put on hold at our printer. This will remain for 24 hours. When you are in the Chocoladefabriek, activate the quest with your pass. For this you need a library card with sufficient credit for the printing costs. You can also scan and copy in the Chocoladefabriek. Again, you need a pass to activate the printer. To save scanned documents, you need a USB stick to insert into the printer.
Printing a single A4 in black/white costs € 0,10.
Printing a single A4 in colour costs € 0,20.
Don't have a library card? Then buy a print pass for € 3.50 at the service desk of the Chocoladefabriek. We are there from Monday to Friday from 11 am to 7 pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.
Taalhuis
It all starts with language! Language is important for making friends, building a network and finding a study programme or job. At the Taalhuis (‘language house’), several local organisations work together to provide help with language and digital skills like using a computer.
Digital Government Information Point
Do you have questions relating to government matters? If so, we can help you in the Library at the Digital Government Information Point (in Dutch: Informatiepunt Digitale Overheid or IDO).
Contact us
Questions? We're happy to help you. You can reach out to us via phone call, Whatsapp, social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn) and mail and e-mail.