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Libraries have been a part of civilization since ancient times. However, a library where everyone has access to information only came into existence in the early 20th century. The first Amsterdam Public Reading Room and Library opened on February 8, 1919. The interest was immense; people queued up to find a spot to read a book.
This popularity led to a lack of space and insufficient books. Therefore, expansion was necessary. More readers, more books, and more branches. By 1930, there were six official branches and 49 exchange libraries, which were makeshift spaces to satisfy the growing demand for reading.
In 1940, German troops occupied the Netherlands. Soon after, the director of aDa, Annie Gebhard, received a letter from the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Sciences on behalf of the Reich Commissioner. aDa was ordered to remove all books with content against Hitler, the NSB, the German state, or the German people from its collection. By March 1, 1941, the library had to dismiss all Jewish employees, and a few months later, Jews were no longer allowed to enter the libraries.
On May 5, 1945, Northern Netherlands was finally liberated. The banned books were immediately brought back by the library staff. By the end of the month, aDa received its first shipment of British and American books and newspapers.
On July 7, 2007, aDa Oosterdok opened on the Oosterdokseiland.
Today, aDa includes aDa Oosterdok and 27 branches throughout Amsterdam, as well as locations in Diemen, Ouderkerk, and Weesp.
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