The story of Winy Maas, architect
Besides placing an amazing building in Spijkenisse, a city next to Rotterdam, Winy Maas wanted to give the city and its residents something of value: he wanted to tempt them to read more, gain ánd share knowledge.
Opinions on the Boekenberg
What do the visitors, students and tourists think of the Boekenberg? The opinions vary immensely. Reviews on TripAdvisor praise the library for its architecture…
Ten technical fun facts about the Boekenberg
A lot has been said about the architecture of the Boekenberg: a pyramid design, glass walls, a mountain of books. But that doesn’t mean everything has been said, far from it!
Spijkenisse, growing centre for knowledge
Even though ‘Spickenisse’ can be found in a certificate from 1235, the city did not have its own Public Library until September 11th 1969.
The library on the move
Why we go to the library? The reason for going to a library changed in two decades, as well as the role of a library as an institution.
The Boekenberg: from design to grand opening
After years of planning, adjusting and building, the Boekenberg opened its doors in April 2012. The first plans were drawn in 2004…
“I want to introduce my daughter to the amazing books and pictures”
Tobias and River visit the Boekenberg every week. Tuesday is when Tobias has his “daddy-day” and he makes sure to plan a special reading hour for him and River.
“Studying here helps me concentrate more”
Michelle can be found in a separate study room, with her headphones in, focussed on her computer screen. She lives with her boyfriend in Spijkenisse, where she grew up, and studies at the Hogeschool Rotterdam to be a registered nurse.
“This is a great place to meet with my students”
We find Mercedita and Gaby reading at one of the window-side tables. Mercedita reads out loud with Gaby listening and correcting her when necessary. Gaby has only been a language coach for a short while…
“I always visit for the books”
Mari wanders by the bookshelves of the Boekenberg with a stack of books in his arms. He feels right at home here. He moved to Spijkenisse from Brabant in 1999 and immediately joined the library.
“Just like the Boekenberg, I strive for knowledge sharing with the Startup Academy”
Arthur is both visitor and ‘program partner’ of library the Boekenberg. Five times a year he organizes the Startup Academy for entrepreneurs…
The book through the ages
From Roman notes and written works to printing press and digitization…
Enrich your mind in the Library!
The new Library claims to be a knowledge centre. Even though the shape of the building honours the book, visitors also find a centre of knowledge, relaxation and enlightenment.
Activities as starting point for the Library of the future
The Boekenberg Library welcomes 200.000 visitors each year and organizes over 350 activities. Think of seminars, courses, workshops, excursions, festivals, concerts, films and debates, to name a few.