Netherlands libraries see rise in youth membership

Library membership among young adults in the Netherlands is seeing a significant rise, driven by initiatives such as free subscriptions for residents up to age 27. In Groningen, over 900 young people signed up for a free subscription within two and a half months of its July 1 implementation. This program allows users to borrow up to 25 titles without fines, make five reservations, and access internet services at Forum library locations.

Nationally, membership for the 18 to 30 age group grew by 22 percent in 2025. In Deventer, young adults aged 18 to 27 now account for 11 percent of total library members. Beyond borrowing books, libraries are increasingly used as community hubs for studying, working, and social meetings. Total library membership in the Netherlands reached over 3.8 million in 2025, with nearly 60 million total visits recorded.