Den Sorte Diamant Nationalbiblioteket

The
Black
Diamond
I’ve been to a whole lot of libraries in a whole lot of countries but nothing even comes close to this one in aesthetics, functionality or just plain fun. Called the Black Diamond, the main library in Copenhagen is an engineering and artistic marvel that just happens to hold a whole lot of books and other cool stuff.
It’s impossible to list or write about all the cool things this library has but I’ll try and go over a least a few. The old section of the library was kept intact and is contected to the stunning new part by walking bridges that go over a road. Incredibly cool. And they are great views of a canal on one side and a fountain and large plaza on another.
Inside it’s just one marvel after another. If you love staircases and elevators this is the place for you. All kinds of cool bridges, stairs and moving things that makes it possible to easily navigate this amazing building.
There is a cafeteria on the first floor and lots of people talking and general noise and activity. But you can also find quiet study areas or places to work or read and free wi fi is everywhere.
Just an amazing and stunning building and library. Everything about this place is incredible and just so cool. And the city of Copenhagen seems the perfect place for it.

One of Copenhagen Architectural gems and what a fantastic example of modern, clean and iconic design. A welcoming space for locals and tourist with a café and shop inside. It’s a very big building with multiple spaces yet only a small percentage is open to the public.
Great place for reading or using the free Wifi. A must for visitors just for the architecture alone.

If I want peace to work and a change of scene I always go here. Even when I was a student I always came here during exams.
I always sit in the old study area, because it´s nice and quiet — and I really get a lot done while I am here (no distractions). I feel I get inspired everytime i sit here, watching everyone else working hard on their studies or what they are during. Keeps me focused on what I come here to do.
I would never sit in the main halls way to much noise.
But run down to the café for an after treat — they always have a really nice selection of cakes and enjoy it outside, if the sun is shining — the view there is the best.

Well this library is an architectural gem and I recommend to everyone that is visiting copenhagen to have a look at it and wonder around indoors. There are many special features I like about this library in specific. For example the fact that the old and new part of the library are connected so delightfully with the bridge over the road. That it is so close to water. The curvy design of the corridors above the moving walkway. The old parts rustic feeling and the new parts well day-​lit areas.
Now if you are a student or someone in need of a library in general to do some work, it has both pros and cons.
Pros:
* good cantine where you can eat for ok amount of money and can get cheap coffee
* enough plugs everywhere, just look for them (at the corridor with the green chairs they are under the table)
* silent areas that are closed in both sides of the moving walkway
* free scanning opportunities
Cons:
* the cafeteria is very expensive and average
* only in one of the silent areas it is allowed to bring a bag (the other one contains books and you need to leave your bag out)
* the silent areas have in my opinion too low tables
* you can’t see the water from any studying spot (quite stupid when thinking it’s next to the water)
* it can be a bit cold in winter
All in all it has a nice atmosphere and I like studying there. Highly recommended for both visiting and studying.

The in-​house café «Øjeblikket» is one of the most bland experiences I’ve had this side of town. The spicy tuna sandwich is not at all spicy and with loads of unseasoned, canned tuna. The bread was decent. Weirdly, they seem to «grill» the ready-​made sandwich in a toaster with the cold tuna and salads inside. I just don’t get it…
The cheese cake tasted of processed food coming from an unclean refrigerator. The filter coffee is shockingly thin and was stood on machine heat long enough to taste burnt. The cappuccino was not made by a barista professional, and the milk was burnt.
The service was friendly, albeit untrained and uncoordinated: 5 waiters/​expedients stood idle at the bar debating who should make the coffee. Clearly, the worst one won.
When I later asked for a medium size black filter coffee, they said it wasn’t for sale, even though I could see three sizes of cups right there on the counter. I could only order very small or very large — except if I ordered a latte, then I could have a medium size. Ok then.
Prizes are absurd compared to quality and portion size. Thin filter coffee: 45 kr. Half a sandwich: 55 kr. Processed cheese cake slice: 39 kr.
The experience was ridiculous verging on funny.

Probably one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, the National Library or «Black Diamond» is a modern contruction facing the canal. During my study period in Copenhagen I loved to spend hours in this place! The reading rooms are super silent, there’s free wi-​fi everywhere in the library and the archives and database have excellent material (you will need a library card to borrow, though). Besides all the library halls, they have also conference rooms, a café, lockers and a small shop. In this place you can really get your study going, and afterwards relax in the waterfront stairs on a beautiful day enjoying the views. Even if you don’t have to come here to read or study, it’s worth checking in out.