Brainport Region Introduces Boekbot: AI Assistant for Personalised Book Recommendations
eindhoven, donderdag, 23 oktober 2025.
The eight libraries in the Brainport region have launched Boekbot, an AI assistant that helps users find suitable books. Boekbot offers personalised suggestions while respecting user privacy. The launch took place during the Dutch Design Week at the Natlab in Eindhoven, with the attendance of Mayor Jeroen Dijsselbloem and other prominent figures. The app is free to download and does not require a library membership.
Boekbot Launch During Dutch Design Week
Last Wednesday, the eight libraries in the Brainport region launched Boekbot, an AI assistant designed to help users find suitable books. The launch took place during the Dutch Design Week at the Natlab in Eindhoven, attended by Mayor Jeroen Dijsselbloem, General Director of Culture and Media Barbera Wolfensberger, and Albert Kivits, director of Bibliotheek Eindhoven [1][2][3]. Boekbot provides personalised suggestions and respects user privacy, without commercial influence or the creation of user profiles unless explicitly requested [4].
Functions and Applications of Boekbot
Boekbot is designed to support readers of all ages and experience levels. Users can engage in conversations with the AI assistant by asking questions such as ‘I’m looking for a book for a rainy day’ or ‘I want to learn more about the current political situation in the Netherlands, what do you recommend?’ Boekbot then provides suitable or surprising, but always objective suggestions [4]. The app uses reliable, public information sources like Wikipedia for its recommendations, ensuring the quality of the suggestions [2][3].
Privacy and Accessibility
Privacy is a crucial aspect of Boekbot. The AI assistant does not create user profiles by default, unless the user explicitly requests it. This guarantees that user privacy is protected, which is a significant concern in today’s digital world [2][3][4]. Additionally, Boekbot is accessible to everyone, regardless of whether they are a library member. The app is free to download from the Apple Store and Google Play, and does not require a membership [1][2][3].
Impact on Information Literacy and Democracy
Boekbot contributes to information literacy and the democratisation of knowledge. By helping readers find books that match their interests and needs, the app promotes reading skills and enjoyment. This is particularly important for young people and those who struggle to find books, as they often lack familiarity with specific genres or authors [4][5]. Albert Kivits, director of Bibliotheek Eindhoven, emphasises: ‘People often don’t know what they want to read, and current search methods can be too complex. Boekbot makes it possible to search in your own words, simplifying the process’ [5].
Collaboration and Innovation
The development of Boekbot is the result of collaboration between libraries, users, businesses, and educational institutions. Young people contributed to the idea generation, while companies such as Datacation, Scenius, and TNO, and educational institutions like TU/e, JADS, and SintLucas, helped realise the project [5]. According to Jantine van den Boom, director of Bibliotheek De Lage Beemden, Boekbot is a step towards a future where everyone has easy access to reading, knowledge, and meetings: ‘Together, we ensure that everyone easily finds their way to reading, knowledge, and meetings. We do this in our libraries and with new digital tools, so that the library remains close and relevant’ [2].
Future Perspectives
Boekbot is just the beginning of a broader implementation of AI in library services. Albert Kivits notes that there are plans for more innovations to make library functions more accessible and reach more people. The library sector faces significant social challenges, such as declining reading skills and the growing digital divide. Boekbot is an important step in addressing these challenges and shaping the library of the future [4][5].