Library

Unique collection of textile literature

The 20,000 books and numerous complete volumes of magazines encompassing themes such as the textile industry, production methods, visual art and design make the library collection unique. Information can be found on art history subjects and on the very latest materials and techniques. In addition, the library houses documents of historical significance and the records of various artists, designers and textile companies. Use the collection search system to browse through the library catalogue online.

The museum library not only assists textile students, designers and artists in their studies and professional development, but also supports projects carried out in the TextielLab. Secondary school students and other museum visitors can also come to the library to research in-depth anything and everything related to textiles.

Ideal for textile research

The library has a spacious and transparent layout, and is a place of quiet contemplative study. For this reason, it contains a number of  reading and work spaces for visitors. The facilities include WIFI and power outlets for charging laptops, tablets or smartphones. The library also has spacious workplaces especially designed for groups. Members of the library staff are always on hand to assist visitors in finding the information they are looking for. In short, the library has a friendly, informal atmosphere where people can research, browse and sift through information at their leisure.

Sample Room

The Sample Room houses a selection of sample books, bunches and folders from the museum and library collections. The archived materials can be studied in the library. For example:

• Household linen, in particular damask, made by companies such as E.J. van Dissel & Zonen (Eindhoven) and W.J. van Hoogerwou & Zonen (Boxtel)
• Soft furnishings made by companies such as Weverij De Ploeg, Schellens & Marto and Léo Schellens & Co.
• Old fancywork samples and books
• Sample books from the textile industry, mainly provided by Tilburg companies such as AaBe, Mommers & Co. and Franken, and the Textile school

Textile Cabinet

The Textile Cabinet tells the tale of how raw materials are transformed into finished products. The 24-drawer cabinet in the Textile Library contains 24 different types of raw textile ranging from cotton to fleece. Visitors can also see and touch semi-finished and finished products. On top of the cabinet, special raw textiles are displayed under plexiglass domes. The Textile Cabinet is linked to the Yarn Bank in the TextielLab, which displays an assortment of commercial yarns and explains how they are used.

The Textile cabinet was designed by Simone de Waart of Material Sense.

Facilities

The TextielMuseum library has the following facilities and rules.

Workplaces

• Six workplaces with laptop connection points for individual visitors
• Two computers for visitors
• Eighteen workplaces for groups

Reproduction

• Photocopier (EUR 0.10 per copied page)
• Photography (without a flashlight or tripod) is allowed for personal use only

Borrowing and requesting books and other materials

• Books and other materials may not be borrowed by or on behalf of third parties
• Materials from the Sample Room can be requested from a member of staff.
• Materials from the library depository (archive collections, historical and antiquarian books, periodicals, sample books and textile School workbooks) should preferably be requested at least one working day in advance by e-mail or telephone. The location code for materials from the depository starts with 6:, 7:, T or A.
• Materials from the museum collection cannot be requested via the library. Please see our frequently asked questions.