In Antwerp, the Permeke Library is celebrating its twentieth anniversary this Saturday, which coincides with World Book Day.
The celebration will feature a storytelling festival with exhibitions, readings, a "poetry safari", a cultural walk, and even a tour in the neighbourhood.
From the outset, the Permeke Library was designed not just for book lending but also as a community hub and accessible cultural centre in the diverse De Coninckplein area. Visitors can do homework, study in silence, practise Dutch, and experiment with digital technologies. Its anniversary is celebrated with this broad vision in mind.
In 2023, the library expanded with a dedicated youth section, offering a tailored collection and activities aimed at young people. This initiative has been successful, resulting in a significant increase in membership over recent years.
The anniversary is further marked by a poem from city poet Esohe Weyden on the library’s facade. Translated by students from the Encora Centre for Adult Education, each line appears in a different language, combining a total of 21 languages. “The poem becomes the face of Permeke,” says Culture Councillor Lien van de Kelder (Vooruit). “It makes people pause and draws them in.”
The storytelling festival is open to visitors until 16:00, while the exhibition on 20 years of Permeke will continue beyond Saturday.
