De Krook, Ghent's largest public city library which opened almost seven years ago, has been hailed as a library of the future by British newspaper The Guardian and was praised for its innovative nature.
In the Het Zuid neighbourhood of Ghent stands a building in stark contrast with the city's picturesque houses and overarching medieval architecture. De Krook Library rises above rooftops with its imposing extended roof structure. Designed by a team of Catalan and Belgian architects, the building has won awards as an architectural landmark.
However, it is what goes on inside the building that has drawn the attention of The Guardian which dubbed it a "living room for the modern city". From the outset, the purpose was for the building to be a microcosm in the city: a living space for every time of the day and week.
"And that's really what it's about," said service and communications coordinator Els Van Rompay. "This is more than a library, though books are at its core. It's also a place to learn, connect, develop and collaborate. Or just to be. A meeting place for our minds."
The building, which opened in March 2017, not only houses the city library but also laboratories and offices of Ghent University and the interuniversity research centre IMEC. It has since been hailed as a "connection point", a "landmark" and a "cultural catalyst".
More than books
Many view libraries as stuffy, silent and static. De Krook – named after the bend in the Scheldt river on which it stands – defies these prejudices in every way.
With large windows, high atria, wide staircases scattered with cushions and cosy reading boxes, it provides the perfect space for readers to enjoy their literature in silence.
There is a bright café-restaurant that sits next to an expansive newspaper and magazine reading space, while the third floor offers views of the old town.
Credit: City of Ghent
But the library allows people to do more than borrow books. In the 'makers' room' downstairs, equipped with laser cutters, 3D printers and sewing machines, visitors can get creative.
There are also advice centres to help with legal questions and educative workshops and courses to help people brush up on their digital knowledge. Volunteers also help people with practical matters online, such as filling in forms or booking appointments.
Small groups meet to practise the Dutch language, while a language hub offers materials in English, French, Arabic and Turkish.
Moreover, there is a radio studio, poetry slams, piano concerts and literary talks and interviews with renowned authors.
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Several of the library's partners with which it shares the space are helping to implement a series of innovative projects, driven by citizens and facilitated by the library, to further enrich visitors' experience.
The Guardian places De Krook in the same category as other "library pioneers" in Europe such as Dokk1 in Aarhus (Denmark), Oodi in Helsinki (Finland) and Deichman Bjørvika in Oslo (Norway).
