The province of Limburg will offer free library passes to people with a minimum income. With this, the province wants to tackle low literacy and poverty.
In September, a trial will start with free membership in the municipalities of Venlo, Gennep, and Landgraaf, Limburg reports. In 2026 and 2027, the project will be extended to all municipalities with a library. The province is allocating more than 1 million euros for the free pass.
Limburg residents with a minimum income can become free members of their local library via a voucher. They can request the voucher from, among others, the municipality or the Adult Education Fund.
Deputy Marc van Caldenberg (SP) states that a good command of language helps with “reducing disadvantages.” According to him, it offers more opportunities for school success, better opportunities in the labor market, and allows people to participate more actively in society.
The project will last a number of years, the province reports. During that period, the impact of the free library passes will be examined.
Limburg recently also started a trial with free regional public transport outside peak hours for people with a low income. For now, that project, Dal Vrij Limburg, is for people in seven major municipalities. Other municipalities will also join in the coming period.