Library

The library of Stroom Den Haag offers a compact yet content-rich and surprisingly versatile collection. At its core is Stroom’s programme, which explores social developments through the lens of art and imagination. In addition to publications on art and artists, the collection also includes contextual works: sources that inspired projects or emerged from them, with a focus on artists, their visions, and inspirations.

The collection is thematically arranged and accessibly presented. Visitors can “scroll” through a wide range of topics: from art in public space to ecology, decolonisation, justice, and the (post-)Anthropocene. Thanks to its thematic approach, the diversity of publications, and the expertise of the team, the library is a valuable source of knowledge and inspiration — for professionals such as artists, curators, architects, and journalists, but also for anyone interested in Stroom, The Hague, art, and society. It’s a great place to study or simply wander around.

We aim to share knowledge, but we also welcome new insights. Suggestions from visitors are encouraged: the library is both a centre of expertise and a creative meeting space, open to multiple perspectives.

The library is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 12:00 to 17:00 hrs. Books and magazines cannot be borrowed.

Stroom Library Sessions

The Stroom library sessions are intimate, informal gatherings in which an artist or curator engages in conversation with several artists from The Hague about unique publications from the guest’s collection that have been significant to their artistic development. Stroom invites this main guest, for example, in response to a recently realized project or publication. In consultation, we then determine - often based on www.haagsekunstenaars.nl - which artists might feel an affinity with the guest’s work and ideas, and subsequently invite them to join the discussion in the library. Through the stories and all the associations, a lively and inspiring exchange of ideas almost always emerges. These encounters often also lead to new projects and collaborations. Below you will find the most recent library sessions. Earlier sessions can be found in the archive.