The Dutch Public Library Network
A Dutch perspective on the impact of Public Libraries on Societal Challenges
(Positive) Health and Public Libraries
2 april 2026, Ramy Library, Istanbul
Nice to meet you
Mirjam van den Bremen
Program Manager Dutch Public Library Network
KB>National Library of the Netherlands
The Dutch Public Library Network
The Dutch Public Library Network
In 2024
131 Public Library organizations - 342 municipalities
1258 branches
8 provincial support institutions -12 provinces
KB>National Library of the Netherlands
The Dutch Public Library Network
In 2024
59 million library visits, 3,7 million library members and 722,4 thousand online Bibliotheek accounts
397.500 activities
22,5 million books - 51,5 million lendings
6,2 million collection dBoS, 8,1 million lendings
46 thousand e-books, 12,2 thousand audiobooks en 1,9 thousand magazine items, 8,7 million lendings
The Public Library Act (2015, 2027)
A Public Library provides means for personal development and enhances communities by improving societal opportunities
GİVE,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Our Public Values: independence, reliability, accessibility, pluralism and authenticity
Five pillars: making knowledge and information available and accessible, providing opportunities for development and education, reading promotion, platform for meeting and dialogue, introduction to culture and arts
The Library Covenant (2020, 2024)
llenges
Library Network
Government
Sociatal challanges
Focus on 3 Societal Challenges
A Literate Society
Participation in the Information Society
Lifelong Learning
Community building
Building strategic ecosystems
Choosing the role that fits the situation:
place, connector, developer, signpost or expert
Network is key. Everyone contributes with the same focus, locally, regionally and nationally.
Working together as a network
(Positive) Health and Libraries
Concept of Positive Health
The Concept of Positive Health is a broad approach to health, developed by Machteld Huber, that focuses not on illness, but on resilience.
This broader approach contributes to people’s ability to deal with physical, emotional and social challenges in life — and to be in charge of their own affairs, whenever possible.
Concept of Positive Health
Six pillars:
(Positive) Health and the Public Library
Health ranks high on the societal agenda
What role can the Public Library play?
(Positive) Health and the Public Library – examples
The Dementia Library
An information point in the library where a special collection and information can be found.
Think puzzels, memory boxes or information for citizens that have to do with dementia
Also meeting with others and activities like walk-in sessions
(Positive) Health and the Public Library - examples
Courses and walk-in sessions for support and help with e-health in the local Library
In collaboration with the local General Practitioner (GP) and/or Hospital
Via the Online Library (nationaly) local Public Libraries provide a free program where citizens can learn basic skills to arrange health matters on the internet
(Positive) Health and the Public Library - examples
Program for a healthy Lifestyle and basic skills (reading, calculate)
A 20 lessons course (nationaly), in and outside the local public Library, with local professionals like a dietitian, a sports professional and the coordinator of the local language network (often the Library)
(Positive) Health and the Public Library - examples
Talk Show series Is there a Doctor in the House?
In collaboration with the local hospital
During these sessions a Doctor explains in clear language about a disease or condition.
Questions are welcome!
(Positive) Health and the Public Library - examples
Book Support – books and reading for a beter mental well-being
Pilot starting this year – wich books have a positive effect on mental well-wellbeing?
An editorial team of literature-experts, healthcare professionals and experience-experts select books for a special Book Support - collection
(Positive) Health and the Public Library - examples
Closer Help with Digital Care
The local Library supports visitors of the hospital with the use of digital healthcare in the local hospital - go where the people and the questions are
Questions?
Want to know more?
Special Thanks to my collegueas from the Nieuwegein Library and BiSC – Roel, Colinda and Joris
Concept of Positive Health
What is it? - Stichting Institute for Positive Health
Roadmap Positive Health, Nieuwegein Library
Routekaart_Positieve_Gezondheid.pdf (Dutch)
colinda.olff@bibliotheeknieuwegein.nl
The Dutch Library Network
Het bibliotheeknetwerk | Bnetwerk (Dutch)
KB>National Library of the Netherlands