Dutch-language library in Anderlecht reopens its doors
After a two-year renovation, the Dutch-language library of Anderlecht will reopen its doors on 21 April. Both its layout and design have been thoroughly revamped. In addition to the 40,000 books, you can now also find a reading room, patio, study rooms and self-service scans.
After a two-year renovation, the Dutch-language library of Anderlecht will reopen its doors on 21 April. Both its layout and design have been thoroughly revamped. In addition to the 40,000 books, you can now also find a reading room, patio, study rooms and self-service scans.
On the initiative of Elke Roex, alderwoman of the Dutch-language library, and Fatiha El Ikdimi, alderwoman of municipal buildings, and in cooperation with the T’Jonck-Nilis architectural firm, the building in Rue Saint-Guidon has been thoroughly transformed. Among other things, it now is equipped with a new ventilation system, underfloor heating, digital lighting, sound-absorbing ceilings, new floor cladding and paintwork. The municipality has invested EUR 560,000 in the new library. Pascal Smet, college member for Culture in the Flemish Community Commission VGC, has provided an extra EUR 155,000 for its renovation.
“The new patio brings a lot of light into the library and makes it a nice, quiet place to read or study,” says Pascal Smet. “As a result of better acoustics, new lighting and climate control, the library is much more attractive. It now has a sustainable and healthy indoor climate. Digitisation has replaced the classical lending system. As soon as it is possible again, the new multifunctional area will become the meeting place par excellence for young and old. In short, a new cultural heart in the centre of Anderlecht.”
“Thanks to its renovation, our library is ready for the future,” says alderwoman Elke Roex. “We have created several work and study areas, a cosy reading room and areas where people can connect with each other. We also have invested in new technologies such as RFID and tablets to make lending easier. In short, our library now shines and becomes a welcoming place where people of all ages can connect with each other. Finally, some of the furniture was modernised by upcycling, following a sustainability point of view.”
In addition to the aesthetic aspect, alderwoman Fatiha El Ikdmi, is also proud of the new technologies in the library. “The lighting control is entirely digital. The ventilation - which has become even more important these days - has been adapted to the latest standards and the underfloor heating will provide pleasant warmth in the large area.”
The mini library in Avenue Guillaume Stassart, which was set up to keep a limited supply available during the renovation works, will close its doors just before the Easter holidays, but from 21 April, all bookworms are welcome again at the familiar address: Rue Saint-Guidon 97, 1070 Anderlecht.
