For Airport Quiet, Visit this Library

When I have two or more hours in an airport, I want to be somewhere quiet. Airline lounges are usually my first stop, though they seem to be getting busier and noisier. Getting a seat in the corner of a restaurant is my second choice. With all the hustle and bustle in an airport, being away from the crowds helps to keep my travel stress level down.

I found the perfect place for quiet as I was passing through Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport – the Airport Library. Located between Terminal E & F next to the Rijksmuseum, mere steps away from the crowds, there is a collection of hundreds of books in several languages. All books are by Dutch authors or on topics of Dutch history and culture. You can sit and relax, read a book or listen to music. All books are meant to be read onsite at the library. There are also iPads throughout the library loaded with Dutch-themed content.

Sitting in the library, watching thousands of travelers pushing their carts, pulling children by the hand, sidestepping the electric carts or mindlessly standing on the moving walkway, is somehow surreal watching from the calm library environment.

I relaxed. I browsed. I enjoy several minutes of calm. Then I took the few steps down back into the fray of the airport terminal and hurriedly pushed my cart to my awaiting plane . . . the sense of calm staying with me.

What’s your favorite place to de-stress in an airport?

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