Library
The documentation centre of the Arboretum Kalmthout has a library consisting of about 1,000 volumes, an extensive slide collection of almost 6,000 images and a digital catalogue of about 5,000 images.
Educational library
The current library at Arboretum Kalmthout focuses specifically on the internal, educational and scientific operations of the institute. It mainly contains works from the last 20 years covering gardening and plant-related subjects relevant to the collections of Arboretum Kalmthout. Botany, horticulture, historical cultivated plants, endangered garden plants and scientific research into ligneous plants are covered.
Historical library
Robert de Belder collected historical books on gardening and plants for many years. This resulted in an internationally recognised library with an excellent reputation, considered by specialists to be the best in the world on this subject. This library is no longer at Arboretum Kalmthout. It was auctioned off at Christie's in London in the mid-1980s.
Journals and magazines
The library has subscriptions to various periodicals on gardening and plants, both Belgian and international. There are also newsletters from other botanical gardens and arboretums.
In the cafeteria you can leaf through a selection of the latest editions of various journals over a nice cup of tea or coffee. You can come and read them for free.
Visiting the library
Unfortunately, the library is not normally open to the public. It is mainly used for internal purposes. However, anyone who wants to consult a work, can make an appointment in advance with the office and is welcome on working days between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. It is not possible to borrow books.
