The collection of pre-1800 printed works, including incunables, Dutch postincunables and pamphlets, is very extensive. It also comprises early printed books from the Bibliotheca Rosenthaliana and the Church History Collections and those from the Artis Library.

Works published after 1800 concern publications that are noteworthy for their execution and/or design.

An important loan is the collection of the Royal Dutch Medical Association (KNMG).

Early printed books and other special editions can be consulted in the De la Fontaine Verwey Room, which also contains a comprehensive reference library. The Artis Library is housed in a separate building. 

Main focus

• Dutch literature published before 1800. The library’s holdings cover 80% in this field.
• Collections connected with Amsterdam, including a vast collection of early works printed in Amsterdam.
• A collection in the field of zoology, the so-called Artis Library.
• A research collection of hand bookbindings and collections of Dutch prize-bindings and industrial bookbindings.
• Illustrated Dutch books from the 17th and 18th centuries, including emblem-books and dance of death books.
• Publications by famous printers, e.g. the Bodoni collection.
• 20th-century and later books by book designers such as Jan Tschichold, Jan van Krimpen and Irma Boom.
• The Best Book Designs, the Best Annual Reports, the Dutch Housstyle Prize and a collection of calendars (including those designed by the winners of the Calendar Award).