leeszaal

Leeszaal is a Dutch term for a dedicated quiet space within libraries or cultural institutions, intended for reading and study. It functions as a separate area from the lending desk, designed to provide a calm environment for focused work and access to non-lending materials. The word literally means reading hall or reading room.

Typical features of a leeszaal include comfortable seating at tables or desks, good lighting, and shelves with newspapers, magazines, journals, and reference works. Materials in a leeszaal are often for use on the premises only, with borrowing handled by other parts of the library. Rules commonly emphasize silence, restrictions on phone use, and careful handling of materials.

Uses and purpose: a leeszaal supports solitary study, research, and quiet reading. It may accommodate small study groups and provides access to periodicals and reference materials that are not always available for loan elsewhere in the library. Some leeszalen also host small exhibitions, talks, or curated displays related to current topics or collections.

History and regional usage: the concept developed with the expansion of public libraries in Europe, as many institutions established dedicated reading rooms to offer quiet spaces for reading and study. In the Netherlands and Belgium (Flanders), leeszalen remain a common feature in municipal and university libraries, reflecting a tradition of silent, scholarly reading spaces.