The libraries in Emmen, Hoogeveen and Coevorden receive additional financial support from the government. This allows them to improve their services. The library in Hoogeveen will receive a total of 208,000 euros. It is not known how much the libraries in Emmen and Coevorden will receive.
The contribution comes from the government’s pot for ‘one-off specific payments for local library facilities 2023-2024’. Municipalities can submit a subsidy application on behalf of the local library to qualify for the money. The three Drenthe libraries are among the 52 municipalities in the Netherlands that were eligible for the subsidy this round. Another round will follow in November in which libraries can submit a subsidy application.
The Hoogeveen library plans to use the money to expand its opening hours. “The library is a place where knowledge, talent recognition, amazement and meeting each other come together. As a municipality, we want this to be accessible to everyone,” says councilor Mark Tuit of the municipality of Hoogeveen.