Limburg Introduces Free Library Card for People with Low Income
venlo, woensdag, 25 juni 2025.
From September, Limburg residents with a minimum income will receive a free library card, an initiative starting in Venlo and later expanding to other municipalities. The province has allocated 1 million euros to combat low literacy and poverty. The card provides access to knowledge, language support, and cultural activities, which can contribute to better academic success and improved job prospects.
Initiative Begins in Venlo
From September, Limburg residents with a minimum income will receive a free library card. This initiative starts in Venlo and will be extended to all municipalities in Limburg with a library over the next two years. The province has set aside 1 million euros to tackle low literacy and poverty [1][2][3]. The card provides access to knowledge, language support, and cultural activities, which can contribute to better academic success and improved job prospects [1][2][3].
Impact and Objectives
Deputy Marc van Caldenberg (SP) emphasises that good command of language helps reduce disadvantages. According to him, this offers more opportunities for academic success, better job prospects, and allows people to participate more actively in society [1][2][3]. The province hopes that the initiative will lower the threshold for people with a minimum income to use the knowledge, language support, and cultural activities offered by the library [2][3].
Pilot Projects in Three Municipalities
The roll-out begins in Venlo, where the first pilot will start. Subsequently, libraries in Gennep and Landgraaf will also launch as pilot locations. Residents with limited means can receive a voucher for a free library membership through various intermediaries, such as municipal consultants or the Adult Fund [2][3]. Local libraries ensure a warm welcome through personal intake and help new members make optimal use of the wide range of services, from language courses to digital support [2][3].
Expansion and Monitoring
In 2026 and 2027, the project will be expanded to all Limburg municipalities with library facilities. The progress and impact of the project will be closely monitored and evaluated over the coming years. Cooperation between the Province of Limburg, Cubiss Limburg, municipalities, libraries, and social organisations is crucial for the success of this initiative [2][3].
Complementary Measures
In addition to the free library card, the Province of Limburg has recently launched a trial with free regional public transport outside peak hours for people with low income. This scheme, known as ‘Dal Vrij Limburg’, targets people receiving social assistance in Maastricht, Heerlen, Sittard-Geleen, Roermond, Weert, Nederweert, and Venlo. Other municipalities will join this trial in the coming months [1][2][3].