Become a member
Table of contents
The KB, National Library of the Netherlands, collects everything that has been published in or about the Netherlands, whether in digital or physical format. As a member of the KB you can request (also online) these books and magazines and view them in the reading rooms. You also get access to various online resources and digital publications, and you can use the PCs, printers and scanners. You have the option to apply for membership online or at the reception desk on the 1st floor.
Membership information
- Anyone who is 17 years of age or older and has the Dutch nationality can become a member of the KB.
- You do not have a Dutch passport, but you do have a valid proof of address in the Netherlands? Then you can also become a member.
- KB-membership costs a maximum of €15 per year.
- Membership lasts for 1 year and you can choose whether to renew at the end of the term.
- Read more about it in our Terms and Conditions.
Become a member
Membership costs
KB-membership costs €15 per year. In some cases, you may be eligible for a discount on your membership.
Your membership will stop after 1 year. We never automatically debit money from your account for membership renewal. However, we will send you an email when your membership is about to lapse. You can then renew your membership online.
Free reading room pass
If you want to visit the KB solely for study purposes, you can request a free reading room pass at the reception desk when you visit the KB (online application is not possible). You can use this pass to enter the reading room but not to request material from the collection or use the computers in the reading room.
Institution pass
Does your institution want access to the KB? An institution pass gives employees access to our physical collection. This applies to one employee at a time. The institution pass does not provide access to the digital files that the KB offers, due to licence restrictions. Just like a normal membership, it costs €15 per year. Interested? Please send us a message with the name of the institution, the address, the city and the contact person to @email.
Access to digital files
The online services with a digital lock are for private use only, as agreed in the licence agreements.
Do you live in the Netherlands? Then you have access to all digital files, regardless your nationality. (For holders of a foreign nationality, address ID is necessary.) Do you live abroad and do you have Dutch nationality? In that case you also have access to all digital sources.
Join online
Fill in the registration form to join online. You can become a member in a few steps.
Create a login account
You need a login account to use our (digital) collections, use the computers in the KB and to update your data. If you don't have a login account yet, you create one. You fill in your e-mail address, and you choose a username and password.
Fill in your personal details
We need this information because your membership will be in your name and is personal to you.
Choose your membership
Choose the type of membership you want. You can only get a discount if you meet certain requirements.
Verify identity
Verify your identity by logging in with iDIN. Read more about how iDIN works on idin.nl/en. You can also email a copy of your ID to the KB at @email. After having verified your data the copy will be deleted.
Pay for your membership
You can pay with iDeal, Mastercard, Visa or a one-time direct debit (SEPA Direct Debit).
After your online registration
After your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with your membership number. If you have paid with iDEAL, Mastercard or Visa, you can immediately start using our digital services. Log in using the login account you created during registration.
You will receive your membership card (also called library card) on your first visit to the KB.
If you have any questions, please contact us.
Sign up for membership at the reception desk
You can use one of our registration computers at the KB reception desk to sign up for membership. Make sure you have your ID with you so that we can verify your identity. And please bring a letter with your postal address as well, so we can verify your living address. Would you like to use one of the discount options? Remember to bring the appropriate documents with you, such as your school pass, student card or Ooievaarspas.
After presenting the documents you will receive your membership card at the reception counter. You can then use the number on your card to also log in to our online digital services.
If you have any questions or experience difficulties when registering, our desk staff will be happy to assist you.
