Free library membership for all Limburg residents on a low income

From 1 July, residents of Limburg on a low income can become library members free of charge throughout the province.

With this initiative, the Province of Limburg, together with local libraries and municipalities, aims to ensure that more people have access to reading, learning, and community participation.

The campaign, “De bieb is er voor jou” ("The Library Is Here for You"), was officially launched at the library in Stein by Provincial Executive Marc van Caldenberg, together with project partners (picture above).

The free membership is designed to lower the barriers for people with limited financial means to use library services. In addition to borrowing books, members can access the internet, computers, and printers. They can also receive language support, digital assistance, attend courses, and participate in community activities.

Marc van Caldenberg described the initiative as an important step for Limburg:

"In Limburg, your wallet should never determine whether you can participate in society. The library is not a luxury — it's an essential public service for people who want to read, learn, and move forward."

He emphasized that the initiative goes beyond providing free access to books:

"A free library card gives people more than just a membership. It provides access to knowledge, support, social connections, and personal development. In this way, we create greater opportunities for those who need them most."

Van Caldenberg welcomed the strong collaboration between the province, municipalities, and libraries, saying he is convinced this approach works.

"This is exactly what we want to demonstrate in Limburg: when the Province, municipalities, and libraries work together, we can genuinely remove barriers. That way, no one has to remain on the sidelines."

Free library membership had already been available in municipalities including Landgraaf, Beekdaelen, Venlo, and Gennep. As of 1 July 2026, the scheme has been expanded to cover the entire Province of Limburg, making it the first province in The Netherlands to introduce a programme of this scale.

Eligible residents will receive a letter from their municipality or can obtain a voucher for a free library membership through participating social organizations. People who believe they qualify can also contact their local library directly.

The Province of Limburg has allocated more than €1 million to fund the project. It is being implemented by Cubiss Limburg, in collaboration with the Limburg Library Association and municipalities and libraries across the province.

Through the campaign “De bieb is voor jou” ("The Library Is Here for You"), the partners hope to reach people in an accessible and recognizable way. The campaign addresses everyday challenges such as managing on a limited budget or needing support with language and digital skills.

Its message is simple: the library is for everyone.

It is for the child discovering the joy of books, the young person looking for a quiet place to study, the parent who wants to read to their children, and the resident who needs help understanding a letter or using a computer.

For many people, the library is much more than a place to borrow books. It is a welcoming, low-threshold environment where people can ask questions, learn new skills, and connect with others. For residents on a low income, these opportunities can make a significant difference.

With this new membership scheme and public campaign, Limburg wants to send a clear message: everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in society, regardless of their financial situation.

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