Today this older collection of books (everything published before 1900) is kept by the stichting Oude Boekerij en Bijzondere Collecties (OBBC).

He set about establishing an impressive collection of Haarlem historical books, and was especially fond of Costeriana; material relating to the history of Laurens Janszoon Coster as the father of the printing press.

This room can be hired from the library for meetings or meals, and is also the spot where the historic scene of the Damiate legend hung for centuries above the fireplace.

In 1562 the current L-shaped building was finished, and the Civic Guard was painted near the steps in the front by Hendrik Gerritsz Pot in 1630.

Through the window in the painting the rafters can be seen that still grace the ceiling of the study room (see picture), and even a corner of a previous militia portrait.

The heroic deeds of the Civic Guard during the siege of Haarlem are remembered also in the commemorative text above the old hall doorway added in 1772: In 1572 quam hier de Spaense vyantDie met ons als met Naerden meenden te leveWij weerstonden hem Vroom vechtenderhandMaer door hongersnoot mosten wij 't opgeveTranslated into English as: In 1572 the Spanish enemy came hereto treat us the same way as NaardenWe withstood him, fighting bravelyBut from hunger we had to give upAcross from this former entrance is the main entrance to an extension that opened in 1974.