Bibliotheek Breda, North Brabant Province, The Netherlands

5Frank C 5:00 PM May 16, 2017

Nice library with a great choice of international books
Frankly speaking, I have visited quite a few libraries worldwide and the Breda Bibliotheek not only has a one of the largest choice of international books that I know for a town of 150 000 habitants but also has satellites libraries in several other locations in town. Very practical! It also offers quite a nice choice of selected Dvd's. On the first floor of the main library there is a nice reading cafeteria on a mezzanine overlooking the library itself. Very gezellig (cosy) as the Dutch say. Here you can work, or have a coffee while reading the free newspapers. The staff is very friendly and mostly speaks an excellent english. What do want more ?

4Pannekoek77 5:00 PM Dec 5, 2017

Spacious library with state-of-the-art facilities
Bibliotheek Breda is located on Molenstraat in Breda. The library building is a 5-minute walk from the Breda Centrum bus stop located on Karnemelkstraat. The Bibliotheek Breda, Nieuwe Veste Centre of the Arts Breda and Cultuurwinkel Breda (Culture Centre) are now under one brand name - the "Nieuwe Veste". This spacious public library offers a wide range of services and facilities - internet browsing, copy and printing, Microsoft Office software, quiet study rooms and more. From paper publications to e-books, CDs, DVDs and other media - the diverse selection of reading materials, films and music offers something for everyone. For book lovers and book aficionados of all ages, the huge library collection is definitely worth a visit. On the first floor of the library, you can take a break and enjoy a drink and/or snack in the reading café where you can find local as well as international newspapers and magazines. For those interested in learning more about the history of Breda, there is an interactive digital touch screen table/board called the 'Erfgoed Tafel'. Using the Heritage Browser, visitors can explore different topics and browse through photos and videos sourced from the local image collection - a unique photographic record of Breda. The Heritage Browser project is a state-of-the-art complement to the printed materials and media in the Breda Collection of the library. Personally, what sets this library apart is the Makersbase. If you are interested in rapid prototyping technologies and robotics, FabLab Breda has a workshop in the library. Here they have a 3D printer, 3D scanner, laser cutter, computers and other fabrication machines where you can combine modern and traditional techniques to create new things. If I may quote R. David Lankes: "Good libraries build services (and a collection is only one of many). Great libraries build communities." Bibliotheek Breda, being part of Nieuwe Veste, is helping to build an empowered, well-balanced community ready for the future.