The origins of the Leiden University Library date to 1575, when William of Orange donated the first book to its collection. Since opening its first reading room in 1587, the library has been a great asset to the university community, and since the Enlightenment it has helped direct the development and dissemination of knowledge. Now, as the library enters the digital age, Christiane Berkvens-Stevelinck brings to vibrant life the interactions between generations of librarians and thousands of library visitors over the centuries, from readers of chained books to current users of web services.