1/2 Mothers take matters into their own hands: open the children’s library on their own
“Every municipality has the right to a library,” says former minister Frans Timmermans. However, that flag does not fly in Aarle-Rixtel for now. The library was closed because there was insufficient money. A group of involved parents finds this so bad that they have opened the door again themselves. It works for now.
“The idea arose because a number of mothers absolutely did not agree that the library in Aarle-Rixtel would disappear,” says volunteer Marleen Stultjëns. They couldn’t stomach the idea that the children in Aarle-Rixtel would run out of books. No more money for the library? Fine. Then they will do it themselves.
The initial signature campaign came to nothing. “Things are still going very well so far, but it was actually born out of pure poverty. But as long as we and the visitors are enthusiastic, we will keep going.”
“The diary of a hat, that is highly recommended.”
The children from the village themselves are all fine with it. They are mainly enthusiastic about bracelets, to be honest, but say they also really enjoy reading. “I mainly read a lot at school,” says Fenne. “Diary of a hat, that is highly recommended.”
Parents themselves find it very important that primary school children develop a feel for language. That they can feel a book, lose themselves in a story and further develop their vocabulary. There is also support from politicians: even politician Frans Timmermans dropped by. As a polyglot, he speaks seven languages himself, he is of course like a fish in water in a library.
“This is the Netherlands I love.”
That makes him proud, but he doesn’t think it should be like this. “I find it beautiful and inspiring, because this really shows the community of this village. The municipality lives among the people. This is the Netherlands that I love. But you actually let the people down if you let them down as a municipality. not supported.”
He also points out that older people do not also have the opportunity to go to the library in this way. “You have to make sure you have your community facilities up to standard.”
The seasoned library moms have no plans to give up just yet. “As long as we and the visitors are enthusiastic, we will continue.”