The KB and the Rijksvastgoedbedrijf (Central government real estate agency, RVB) have been given the green light to start construction of the innovative new repository. This will hold the national library’s collection of millions of books, newspapers and magazines. The municipality of Midden-Delfland issued the building permits, which means that construction can begin in Harnaschpolder.

Construction is scheduled to start in the first half of this year. The building was designed by architecture firm Office Winhov. Architect Jan Peter Wingender describes the commission as: “Creating a jewellery box for an exceptional collection.” Books and letters play a starring role in the facade’s design to reflect what is stored there. Wingender: “For example, the way in which paper curves is reflected in the design for the facade. We reworked these curves with a hieroglyphic design based on the name ‘KB national library’.” 

The new repository will store the national library’s collection in an energy-neutral way, without using climate control systems. The millions of books, newspapers and magazines will be stored in a low-oxygen environment, eliminating the risk of fire. The compact storage and high degree of insulation ensure that the indoor climate remains within the desired margins. This energy-neutral approach contributes to the long-term preservation of the national collection. The repository will also be fully automated; a robotic system will operate the more than 200,000 containers of collection items. 

The current book repository is located next to and below the KB’s public building in the centre of The Hague. The KB aims to have moved its collection to the new repository by early 2029. The KB’s new public building will eventually be built on the site of the current building, part of which will be reused for this purpose. The KB wants its new public building to be an open, accessible place where there is room not only for in-depth exploration, but also for activities centred on creativity and interaction with the collection. The new public building is expected to be completed in 2032.