Muntpunt clocks 100,000 visitors
The new Flemish library and info centre Muntpunt has three times the expected number of visitors in the first three months
Visitor numbers are three time higher than expected
The building on Muntplein comprises a five-storey library with books, CDs and DVDs, as well as study areas, meeting rooms, private reading booths, a play area for children, a cafe and spaces for talks by visiting authors. The building also provides a range of information on Dutch-language services in Brussels, including cultural centres and evening classes.
Muntpunt replaced the old public library HOB on Muntplein, which attracted 6,700 visitors a week at its height, before it put two-thirds of its catalogue in storage and offered limited services in the lead-up to the opening of Muntpunt.
HOB, however, loaned out substantially more books and other media: about 15,000 items a week compared to Muntpunt’s 7,800. “The gap between visitors and loans shows we are more than just a library,” said Muntpunt director Ann Van Driessche. “Many visitors come not to borrow but to look for information about Brussels, to attend the activities we organise or simply to work or meet others.”
Anyone can become a member of Muntpunt to check out materials. The library currently counts 10,000 members, 70% from Brussels and the rest from elsewhere in Flanders. About 30% are under 25.
photo credit : Muntpunt
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