BIJ de bieb

What BIJ de bieb does

BIJ de bieb is the public-facing brand of Stichting Bibliotheek Berkel & IJssel, a Dutch nonprofit foundation (Stichting) operating the regional public library for the municipalities of Brummen, Lochem, Voorst, and Zutphen in Gelderland. Founded on January 1, 2023 through the merger of predecessor organizations Bibliotheek Graafschap and Bibliotheek Brummen|Voorst, the foundation runs seven full-service library branches and seven neighborhood pickup points (Buurtbieb) staffed by 65 fixed employees and supported by 300-400 volunteers.

The core offering combines traditional physical lending (books, magazines, DVDs, puzzles) with a multi-platform digital stack anchored by the national Koninklijke Bibliotheek Online Bibliotheek for e-books and audiobooks, the cross-platform Iguana Bibliotheek app for catalog search and reservations, Mijn Bibliotheek for member account management with iDEAL/Wero payment integration, and a curated set of add-on content platforms including PressReader (7,000+ newspapers and magazines), Comics Plus, Muziekweb, Delpher, DBNL, and WorldCat Discovery for scientific interlibrary loans. Distinct service pillars include the BiebLAB technology learning space, the Taalhuis for Dutch language learning, the Informatiepunt Digitale Overheid for digital government assistance, and Mijn BiebSleutel self-service access at Brummen.

Revenue is generated primarily through individual and institutional memberships (EUR 5.25/month or EUR 63/year standard adult; EUR 45/year online-only; EUR 100/year institutional; free for ages 0-29), supplemented by replacement fees, interlibrary loan charges (EUR 1.50 external, EUR 13.00 scientific), printing services, and municipal subsidy. The foundation holds ANBI status and operates under the Governance Code Cultuur. Distribution combines physical branch presence with digital self-serve channels; marketing is community-led through municipal partnerships, schools, social media, and event programming.

Name

BIJ de bieb

Legal name

Stichting Bibliotheek Berkel & IJssel

Website

https://bijdebieb.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

BIJ de bieb (Stichting Bibliotheek Berkel & IJssel) is a Dutch nonprofit public library serving the municipalities of Brummen, Lochem, Voorst, and Zutphen through seven branches and seven pickup points, offering physical and digital lending, language learning, digital government assistance, and community programming.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (5192)

SIC

Books: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2731)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO), Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA), Interlibrary Loan (ILL) & Resource Sharing Operations (EDAEAGAK), Library & Education Audiobook Distribution (Public Libraries, Schools, Academic) (MPAJAIAE)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Community library programs
• Digital lending platform
• Language learning services
• Literacy education programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Zutphen

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices14 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Library Membership Subscriptions: Monthly and annual subscription fees from standard adult memberships. Youth and budget memberships (ages 0-29) are free. Revenue from approximately €5.25/month (direct debit) or €63/year for standard adult membership, €45/year for online-only, €25 for 4-month temporary, €100 for institutional
2. Late Fees and Replacement Charges: No late fees (boetevrij/fine-free policy). Revenue from replacement costs for lost items, replacement library cards (€3.00), and reservation fees for interlibrary loans (€1.50 external, €13.00 scientific)
3. Print/Copy Services: Revenue from printing (€0.05 A4 bw, €0.50 A4 color) and copying services

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

BIJ de bieb (Stichting Bibliotheek Berkel & IJssel) operates a public library network serving the municipalities of Brummen, Lochem, Voorst, and Zutphen in the Netherlands through seven library branches and seven neighborhood pickup points. The core offering combines physical media lending (books, magazines, DVDs), a digital lending platform for e-books and audiobooks (Online Bibliotheek), community learning programs (Taalhuis for Dutch language learning, BiebLAB technology lab, Informatiepunt Digitale Overheid for digital government assistance), and reading promotion initiatives such as VoorleesExpress.

Product overview

BIJ de bieb (operating as Stichting Bibliotheek Berkel & IJssel) is a public library network serving the municipalities of Brummen, Lochem, Voorst, and Zutphen through seven library branches and seven pickup points. The offering is a multi-layered platform combining physical library collections with digital services. Core offerings include physical media lending (books, magazines, DVDs, puzzles), the Online Bibliotheek e-book and audiobook platform (powered by the Koninklijke Bibliotheek), and community programs. Distinct service pillars include the BiebLAB technology lab, the Taalhuis (Language House) for Dutch language learning and literacy, the Informatiepunt Digitale Overheid (IDO) for digital government assistance, and VoorleesExpress volunteer reading programs. Digital add-on modules include the Iguana Bibliotheek-app for mobile access, the Mijn Bibliotheek member portal, over 150 online courses via Soofos and SkillsTown, PressReader for international digital publications, Comics Plus for manga and graphic novels, Muziekweb for music, and Mijn BiebSleutel self-service access. All services are designed around lifelong learning, literacy, digital inclusion, and community connection.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Physical Library Collections Traditional lending of physical media including books, magazines, DVDs, educational materials, and puzzles across seven library locations and seven pickup points, available to members of all ages.
• Online Bibliotheek (E-books and Audiobooks) Digital lending platform providing access to e-books, audiobooks, and digital magazines. Members can borrow up to 10 e-books and 10 audiobooks simultaneously with their library membership.
• BIJ de biebLAB Technology learning space where participants of all ages discover and experiment with technology including tablets, VR headsets, and robots through structured programs and workshops for children (7-12 years), youth, and adults.
• Taalhuis (Language House) Free language support service for all residents, offering Dutch language learning, reading, writing, and numeracy assistance. Includes Taalcafé conversation sessions, Taalspreekuur drop-in sessions, and the VoorleesExpress volunteer reading program.
• Informatiepunt Digitale Overheid (IDO) Free digital government assistance point helping citizens with DigiD authentication, government websites, taxes, healthcare, social benefits, and civic services. Available weekly at all BIJ de bieb locations.
• PressReader Digital newspaper and magazine platform providing access to over 7,000 international publications from 120 countries in 60 languages, with a 90-day archive and 3-day offline download period.
• Online Cursussen (Soofos and SkillsTown) Online learning platform providing over 150 courses on digital skills, AI skills, personal development, health, cooking, language, and sustainability, available free to all library members via single sign-on.
• Iguana Bibliotheek-app Cross-platform mobile application for Android, iOS, and Windows enabling catalog search, reservations, loan renewals, ISBN barcode scanning, multi-family account management, and push notifications for due dates and reservations.
• Mijn Bibliotheek Member Portal Member portal for account management including loan renewals, reservations, payments via iDEAL/Wero, personal data updates, and deposit top-ups.
• Mijn BiebSleutel Self-Service Access Self-service library access system enabling members aged 18+ to access the Brummen library outside regular opening hours (07:00-22:00) using their activated library card.
• VoorleesExpress Volunteer reading program in which trained volunteers visit families 20 times to read aloud, play language games, and foster language development for children aged 2-8.
• Zadenbibliotheek (Seed Library) Seed library at the Brummen branch allowing residents to borrow and swap seeds free of charge, promoting sustainability and community connection.
• Digi Hulp Drop-in digital help service where trained volunteers assist visitors with smartphones, tablets, laptops, email, apps, and other digital questions in an informal setting.
• BoekStart and Bibliotheek op School Early childhood literacy programs: BoekStart coaches support families at consultation bureaus and childcare centers; the Bibliotheek op School program supports schools with reading and media literacy instruction.
• Comics Plus Digital comics and manga platform offering access to 27,000 English-language digital strips, graphic novels, and manga titles.
• BiebCafé On-site café service offering coffee and tea at all BIJ de bieb locations, creating a welcoming community gathering space.
• Interlibrary Loan Services Interlibrary loan partnerships providing access to materials from Bibliotheek Noord-Veluwe, Bibliotheek Nijkerk, and university libraries worldwide through WorldCat Discovery.
• SeniorWeb Digital Literacy Training Computer and digital literacy courses for seniors covering Windows, Gmail, WhatsApp, photo management, and more. Free annual SeniorWeb membership obtainable at the library.

Quantifiable outcome

• Free membership for ages 0-29 removes cost barrier to literacy services
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration20 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, flagship and core.

• Stedelijk Museum ZutphenminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 March 2026Joint exhibition 'Verhaal verlicht' combining library literacy programs with museum's Rembrandt exhibition. Participants created autobiographical stories inspired by Rembrandt's work.
• Theater Hanzehof & BuitensociëteitflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 June 2025Co-development of Hanzehuis cultural center in Zutphen. €29.2 million investment combining theater, arts education, and library services in one cultural hotspot. Estimated completion pending construction.
• Muzehof Centrum voor de KunstenflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 June 2025Co-development of Hanzehuis cultural center in Zutphen. Partnership combining arts center with theater and library services.
• PressReadercoreTechnology or Integration · 11 June 2025Digital newspaper and magazine platform providing access to 7,000+ publications from 120 countries in 60 languages. Free access for library members with 3-day offline download period.
• Welzijn en Zorg EefdeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 March 2025Partnership for digital help services in Eefde. Joint initiative providing weekly digital assistance drop-in hours at Het Hart/Buurtbieb Eefde.
• Koninklijke Bibliotheek (National Library of Netherlands)coreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for Online Bibliotheek platform providing e-books and audiobooks. Library shares member data (birthdate, membership number, access rights) with KB for digital lending. KB handles digital rights management and platform operations.
• SoofoscoreTechnology or IntegrationOnline course platform providing 150+ courses on personal development topics including cooking, health, language, sustainability, and creativity. Library members access courses free with membership.
• SkillsTowncoreTechnology or IntegrationOnline learning platform with courses on digital skills, AI, workplace communication, and leadership. Library members access 150+ courses free with membership.
• SeniorWebcoreTechnology or IntegrationOrganization providing computer and digital literacy courses for seniors. Library offers Klik & Tik courses and SeniorWeb member benefits including free annual membership during Computervraagdagen events.
• Rijksoverheid / Government Digital ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial Information Point Digital Government (IDO) helping citizens with DigiD, taxes, healthcare, social services, and other government digital services. Staff trained on 12+ government agency systems.
• VoorleesExpresscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNational reading volunteer program. Library coordinates local volunteers who visit families 20 times to read, play language games, and promote language development for children ages 2-8.
• Bibliotheek Noord-VeluweminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInterlibrary loan partnership for extended collection access. Free reservations from BIJ de bieb and Bibliotheek Noord-Veluwe collections.
• Bibliotheek NijkerkminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInterlibrary loan partnership for extended collection access. Free reservations from BIJ de bieb and Bibliotheek Nijkerk collections.
• University Libraries / WorldCat DiscoveryminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccess to scientific books from university libraries worldwide through WorldCat Discovery. €13.00 fee for interlibrary loans from universities and Koninklijke Bibliotheek.
• JobOnminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNational career community offering free workshops at the library for job seeking, CV writing, and career development skills.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• OBA (Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam): The largest public library system in the Netherlands, serving Amsterdam. Comparable in core function (public library with community programming, digital inclusion, Taalhuis) but vastly larger in scale, geographic reach, and budget — illustrating the upper bound of the Dutch public library model.
• Koninklijke Bibliotheek (KB): The national library of the Netherlands and BIJ de bieb's primary digital infrastructure partner. Operates the Online Bibliotheek platform that BIJ de bieb members access, making KB both an upstream partner and the dominant incumbent in the Dutch library ecosystem.

Others

• VoorleesExpress: National reading volunteer program that BIJ de bieb coordinates locally, sending trained volunteers into families to promote early childhood literacy. Functions as a content/program partner and indirect peer in delivering literacy outcomes to Dutch children aged 2-8.
• PressReader: Digital newspaper and magazine platform partnered with BIJ de bieb to provide 7,000+ international publications to library members. Not a direct competitor but an enabling technology vendor whose model of library-institutional access parallels BIJ de bieb's digital lending approach.
• Biblionet: Dutch sector organization supporting public libraries with staff training, advocacy, and digital infrastructure coordination. Operates as an enabling ecosystem partner comparable to BIJ de bieb's membership in national library associations and shared procurement frameworks.
• Stichting CPNB: Dutch foundation promoting reading and book culture nationwide, with which BIJ de bieb collaborates on reading promotion campaigns (e.g., Nederlandse Voorleesdagen). An adjacent cultural-sector organization that supports BIJ de bieb's literacy mandate and shares audience overlap.

Emerging players

• SeniorWeb: Dutch organization providing computer and digital literacy training for seniors, with active partnership through BIJ de bieb (free membership during Computervraagdagen, Klik & Tik courses). Operates in adjacent digital-inclusion space and shares target demographic with BIJ de bieb's adult programming.

Direct peers

• Bibliotheek Noord-Veluwe: Neighboring Dutch public library organization that BIJ de bieb explicitly partners with for interlibrary loan and shared reservations. Operates as a comparable municipal-regional library in adjacent Gelderland territory with similar service mix and Dutch public-library governance structure.
• Bibliotheek Nijkerk: Dutch public library with an established interlibrary loan partnership with BIJ de bieb. Comparable in scale (single-municipality or small-multi-municipality) and offers the same combination of physical lending, digital collection access, and community programming under the national VOB/BNO framework.
• Bibliotheek.nl: The national public-facing web portal for Dutch public libraries, providing unified catalog and discovery across all member libraries including BIJ de bieb. Functions as a digital channel peer that competes with BIJ de bieb's own website for member engagement and content discovery.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bijdebieb
• Facebookfacebook.com/bijdebieb
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bij-de-bieb
• Instagraminstagram.com/bij.de.bieb

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about BIJ de bieb