Reading Room

Please note that a reservation for each visit is compulsory.  Please register your visit in advance here

Would you like to study and conduct research at the heart of international law? The Peace Palace Library is here for you! With a collection that includes literally over a million resources, a team of expert law librarians, a cozy and calm work environment, what’s not to like! The Library Reading Room is situated on the first floor of the Academy Building of the Peace Palace. Visit our state-of-the-art Reading Room and enjoy our facilities and services.

Contact Information

Phone: +31  70 302 4125 (direct number)
Service desk : library@peacepalace.org

Opening Hours

The Library is open 5 days a week: Monday till Friday from 09:00 a.m. - 17:00 p.m. The Library is closed during weekends.

When visiting the Library, please bring with you a valid photo ID (Passport, EU ID Card or EU driver's license) and your Library Card. When you arrive at the Security Gate, please present your ID and your Library Card. In case you are a first time visitor, you will have to present to Security the confirmation email of your Library Membership payment. Please inform the Security guard that you would like to visit the Library.

Service Desk

Upon entering the Library Reading Room, you will find the Service Desk. The Library's professional staff members will welcome you and assist you with your research. At the Service Desk, you can collect your Library Membership Card, as well as return and collect your books and publications. 

Library Membership

The Library Membership is your key to the Peace Palace Library. Your Library Membership grants you access to the Library and its premises. You can borrow, reserve and/or renew books, journals and other printed Library resources. In addition, your Library Membership allows you online access to the Library's digital resources, such as licensed databases, e-Books (platforms), and e-Journals. The Library's databases and Digital Collections are included when you purchase an annual Library Membership. With your Library Membership you can login to the website and enjoy all its features.

The annual fee for a full Library Membership is € 50,00. To purchase a Library Membership, click on the red button on the right.

Please note that first-time users will receive their Library Membership Card in person at the Services Desk in the Reading Room upon their first visit to the Library. When visiting the Library, please make sure to register a slot and bring with you a valid photo ID (passport, EU ID Card or EU driver’s license).

N.B. For security related purposes, the Peace Palace Library will only accept contactless payments (payment by credit cards or payments via mobile telephones).

Wireless Network

It is very easy to connect to the Library's wireless network; we have a socket for your laptop at every desk in the Reading Room. Please ask the Librarian at the Service Desk for the access key.