Site Background

On June 19, 2024, or what I am reading as 19 June 2024 around town, our program started off strong with site visits to two branches of the OBA (Amsterdam Public Library).

Our day began at 9:20am in the hotel dining area before we embarked on an efficient public transit journey to the Oosterdok branch at 10:00. As a treat for our labors (being graciously welcomed and educated about Dutch design in the public library sphere) we ate a lovely lunch at a restaurant I am unable to identify in this moment and ended at the Zuidoost (Southeast) Amsterdam OBA branch. Legally, this site visit ended after yet another efficient transit ride to the hotel but I started to power down and my jokes weren’t landing as hard as they (hopefully) usually do.

The Visit (Not the Movie)

Oosterdok

Entrance to the library theater

At the first branch, Oosterdok, we were welcomed with coffee, tea, and the warm presence of a librarian named Claragh (spelling unconfirmed but valiantly attempted). In a well-lit, comfortable-seat-filled room with said seats staggering upwards in a theater fashion, Claragh (I tried Googling “Dutch Clara” and other variations to find this spelling and I am telling you the effort is so valiant) presented an overview of the OBA mission and its applications.

While the presentation was concise (something you, snoopers, will find anywhere but this blog), Claragh articulated the realities within the OBA and its public perception. She presented the group with the legally mandated requirements the OBA must possess and how the institution goes beyond the government’s wishes.

For example, the Oosterdok branch has multiple restaurants, cafes, a theater, conference room spaces, and even programmed a Valentine’s Day dinner and theater program. The library was full of books, with a special nod to the House of All Languages which is a collection developed for approximately 180 different nationalities existing within the Netherlands. However, their drive to promote, preserve, and celebrate culture appeared to lean on satisfying information needs beyond the printed word. Claragh emphasized how OBA works with other organizations to develop collections and services that respond to the diverse population and needs of Amsterdammers.

Referring to our class’s first lecture, we discussed libraries as collecting and circulating commodities. The Oosterdok’s overt value in creating a safe space for the community to occupy and utilize to create a sense of community, establish an equitable livelihood, and act as a response to rising information needs rather than practice a preemptive approach raises the question of, “what is a commodity in Dutch society?” I don’t have the answer quite yet, but I will answer this question with another question.

Pivoting, smoothly I might add, to our class’s second lecture, the values the OBA is presenting to the public challenges preconceived notions regarding, “what is a right?” and, “what is an amenity?” Claragh argued the COVID-19 pandemic proved the public library’s worth because once its services were no longer accessible, large portions of the population suffered. Thus, the government learned how the public library’s services, such as internet access, were not only important but were necessary. Unfortunately, it took a worldwide pandemic for the government to challenge its understanding of internet as a right rather than an amenity, but I think Claragh and I are both happy they learned eventually.

Zuidoost

Book and art display in Zuidoost branch entrance

If you have gotten this far, I will reward you with a secret word. Please use Latin phrase, “super duper” in the next conversation you hold with me.

Prior to arriving to the Zuidoost branch, we were told this neighborhood was younger and housed more immigrant families than the previous. Their architectural layout and services reflected such. Our guide, Roger (spelling not valiantly researched and perhaps incorrect) shared personal anecdotes from his upbringing, smiled brightly at each story he told involving the community, and deserves a round of applause for his dedication to preserving the cultures in this region in the face of rapid gentrification.

The book display pictured above offers patrons materials regarding the holiday, Ketikoti, celebrating Suriname’s independence from Dutch colonization. The crochet chain links were made by a crochet group that started at the Zuidoost branch, thus connecting the divisive and violent Dutch past to its collaborative, community-oriented present. Roger played a vital role in developing this crochet club. He explained two women asked if they could use the space for crocheting and he responded with great enthusiasm. The group quickly grew and he asked them to create a piece for the library, thus resulting in the chain links, which are broken in between the tables, to represent the Suriname liberation. This seemingly small contribution exemplifies how the community uses the library space for their own needs while supporting each other.

The Zuidoost branch also keeps materials from the Black Archive despite its own building being within walking distance to signal the OBA supports and works with the Black Archive. Keeping these materials available at the public library shows the OBA values the Black Archive and avoids discouraging patrons from using the library space. If they did not keep these materials, patrons would be turned away, which appears to be outside off the OBA mission. At each branch we visited, each guide mentioned how they want patrons to be able to satisfy multiple information and human needs within one physical space.

This branch shares its space with a cultural organization that displays materials donated by community members and artists to teach visitors what it means to be Dutch today. Living in a community with a diverse group of immigrant families, the exhibits reflect the population’s identity and value in acknowledging the pleasures and struggles in existing in a former colonizing state.

What’s it called when you overstay your welcome in your own house or digital Dutch crib? Whatever it is, you’re free to go now. I won’t keep you any longer. Ando Dutch Cat Watch Count (ADCWC) is at a stagnant 7. No new cats today.

Meet Andi (left) and Thomas (right) Ando instead. Andi is giving Thomas a stank eye but I hear that’s common for older sisters to do to their younger brothers.