Millions for libraries

Millions of extra euros will go to public libraries in the coming years. State Secretary Uslu (Culture and Media) wants to use that money to ensure that every municipality has a future-oriented library facility. Specifically, that means filling gaps in the physical library network and expanding the online library. Linked to that, Uslu also wants to establish a duty of care for municipalities to ensure future access to libraries. Next year, €29.7 million is available, rising to a structural amount of €58.7 million from 2025.

State Secretary Uslu: "When you are a member of the public library, you have a subscription to the whole world. Because reading is fundamental, and a library brings you much more than that. It is a place where people awaken and grow culturally and socially. Where, as a child, worlds open up to you. Where, as a parent, you send your child with peace of mind. A place where knowledge, stories and different perspectives are at everyone's fingertips. That is why I invest a substantial part of the extra culture budget in the public library."

Together with municipalities

Currently, there are gaps in the national library network. In the short term, measures are aimed at filling those gaps. Especially in municipalities without a physical library and in places where the distance to the library has become too great. Of course, the national government does not do this alone. Local governments often have the best insight into what is needed in a municipality. From 2025, municipalities will receive additional structural funding for libraries, coupled with a duty of care. This means that with the money from the state, they will have to provide library presence and access. About €54 million will be available annually for this from 2025. A total of €5 million is available over the next three years to invest in the library network on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba.

Online library

A customer-friendly online library is a logical and important part of the library. During the corona period, the online library boomed and State Secretary Uslu wants to strengthen this function. This requires an innovative national infrastructure, which she will work on with the Royal Library and other partners. 5 million euros are available annually for this, and an additional 8 million euros in 2023 and 2024.

The public library can play an important role in increasing equity and is among the most visited socio-cultural facilities in the Netherlands. About 3.4 million people are members, of which 2.2 million are young people.