Restore Libraries Network Started | News item

News item | 24-03-2023 | 12:15

The scheme for applying for benefits to strengthen the library network has been published. With this temporary arrangement, municipalities can apply for funding from mid-May 2023 to set up new library branches and to improve or further develop existing library facilities. The money can be used, for example, to keep libraries open longer, or to turn a collection point for books into a full-fledged branch. Municipalities and library organizations can now jointly come up with concrete proposals for this.

Millions to libraries

State Secretary Uslu (Culture and Media) previously announced that millions of euros extra will go to public libraries in the coming years. She wants to use that money to ensure that every municipality has a future-proof library facility. €29.7 million will be available next year, which will increase to a structural amount of €58.7 million from 2025. Part of this money will now be made available through the temporary scheme for municipalities.

Duty of care

By using the temporary scheme, municipalities can strengthen the library network and prepare for the amendment of the Library Act in 2025. A duty of care will then apply. This means that municipalities are given the statutory task of ensuring that residents have access to a fully-fledged library, so that access to libraries is guaranteed in the future. Through their support institutions, the provinces ensure that local libraries receive the necessary help.

Municipalities can submit applications from mid-May to mid-June 2023. A second application round is planned for the end of 2023. Municipalities must finance at least 20% of the costs incurred themselves. Provincial support agencies can assist in preparing applications.

The Department for Implementing Subsidies to Institutions (DUS-I) implements the scheme on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.

See for more information One-off specific payments for local library facilities 2023-2024

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