de Bibliotheek Krimpenerwaard

What de Bibliotheek Krimpenerwaard does

De Bibliotheek Krimpenerwaard is a Dutch public library foundation (Stichting Bibliotheek Krimpenerwaard) operating nine physical branches across the Krimpenerwaard municipality in South Holland, Netherlands. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Bergambacht, the organization employs 25 staff and serves children, adults, seniors, non-native Dutch speakers, and institutional members through a combined physical and digital library offering. Core programs include traditional lending of physical media, digital lending via the Online Bibliotheek platform (~20,000 e-books and thousands of audiobooks), the Bibliotheek-Wise mobile app for catalog and account management, and specialized services such as Bibliotheek aan Huis (home delivery for mobility-impaired members), DigiTaalhuis (digital and Dutch-language skills training), Historisch OntmoetingsPunt (local history archive including the digitized Schoonhovensche Courant 1869-1979), Informatiepunt Digitale Overheid (digital government help desk), and reading clubs.

The underlying technology stack is built on the OCLC Wise library management system, hosted and supported by ProBiblio/PSCA, with single sign-on provided through a national login system operated jointly with the Koninklijke Bibliotheek. Member-facing digital services include the Wise mobile app (iOS/Android), the LuisterBieb audiobook app, the Mijn Bibliotheek web portal, and integrations with Soofos and SkillsTown for over 150 online courses spanning digital skills, AI literacy, personal development, and language learning. Data enrichment is performed via a partnership with the Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek (CBS). The organization holds ANBI public-benefit status and is CBCT-certified through 2026.

The business model is non-profit and hybrid: annual membership fees (€50 adult with e-books, €42 digital-only, €60 institutional) generate recurring subscription revenue; youth membership up to age 18 is free; donations at €10-€25-€50 per year and one-time iDEAL contributions provide supplementary income. As a Dutch public library, the foundation is also funded through municipal subsidies, though these are not publicly disclosed. Distribution is via physical branches, the Bibliotheek aan Huis home delivery service, and the Online Bibliotheek digital platform; marketing relies on organic social media, email newsletters, the library website, school partnerships, and volunteer word-of-mouth. Customer segments span Children and Youth (0-17), Adults and General Public, Seniors and Mobility-Impaired, Non-Native Dutch Speakers (NT2), and Lifelong Learners.

Name

de Bibliotheek Krimpenerwaard

Legal name

Stichting Bibliotheek Krimpenerwaard

Website

https://debibliotheekkrimpenerwaard.nl

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

De Bibliotheek Krimpenerwaard is a Dutch public library foundation operating nine branches across the Krimpenerwaard municipality, offering physical and digital media lending, online courses, digital literacy training, and community services to children, adults, seniors, and non-native Dutch speakers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921), Libraries and Archives (519210)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

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), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL), Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing) (EDAEAGAF), Library & Education Audiobook Distribution (Public Libraries, Schools, Academic) (MPAJAIAE)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Digital lending
• Language learning
• Digital literacy training
• Community library

Headquarters

HQ city

Bergambacht

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Subscriptions: Annual membership fees for adults with e-book access (€50), digital-only subscription (€42), and institutional memberships (€60). Youth membership up to 18 years is free.
2. Donations: Annual donations from supporters at €10, €25, or €50 per year. Donors receive recognition without membership requirements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

De Bibliotheek Krimpenerwaard operates a multi-format public library serving the Krimpenerwaard municipality through nine physical branches and digital services. Its core offerings include lending of physical and digital media (books, e-books, audiobooks, DVDs), digital literacy and language programs (DigiTaalhuis), home delivery for mobility-impaired members (Bibliotheek aan Huis), local history archives (Historisch OntmoetingsPunt), reading clubs, and government digital services assistance (Informatiepunt Digitale Overheid).

Product overview

De Bibliotheek Krimpenerwaard operates a multi-format public library serving the Krimpenerwaard municipality, offering physical and digital media lending, digital literacy programs, and online learning. The core offering combines physical branch services (10 locations with books, CDs, DVDs, and media) with a digital portfolio comprising the Online Bibliotheek (e-books and audiobooks), the Wise app (catalog search and account management), the LuisterBieb app (audiobooks), and 150+ online courses via Soofos and SkillsTown. The library also provides specialized services including Taalhuis (Dutch language learning for non-native speakers), DigiTaalhuis (digital skills training), Historisch OntmoetingsPunt (HOP, local history archive), Bibliotheek aan Huis (home delivery for mobility-limited members), reading clubs, and a Digital Point for Government services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Taalhuis Krimpenerwaard: Language house offering Dutch language lessons and language coaching services for non-native speakers
• DigiTaalhuis
• Historisch OntmoetingsPunt (HOP)
• Bibliotheek aan Huis
• Informatiepunt Digitale Overheid

Products and services

• Online Bibliotheek National digital library platform (operated by the Koninklijke Bibliotheek) providing Bibliotheek Krimpenerwaard members access to approximately 20,000 e-books and thousands of audiobooks. Members can borrow up to 10 e-books at a time for 3 weeks, included in the adult membership (€50/year).
• Wise App (Bibliotheek-Wise app) Mobile application for Android and iOS connecting to the library's OCLC/Wise catalog system. Members use it to search the collection, reserve items, extend loans, and manage their account, integrated with the national SSO login.
• LuisterBieb App Mobile app for borrowing and listening to audiobooks from the Online Bibliotheek, available for iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play). Requires separate registration within the app to confirm library membership.
• Bibliotheek aan Huis Free home delivery service for members who are physically unable to visit a branch due to age, illness, or disability. A volunteer contacts the member, discusses reading preferences, delivers materials, and picks them up at a scheduled time.
• DigiTaalhuis Krimpenerwaard Specialized service within the library focused on improving Dutch language skills (NT2) for non-native speakers and digital literacy for all residents. Offers free language courses, a Taalmaatje (language buddy) program, digital skills workshops (Klik&Tik, Digisterker, Digivitaler), and operates as an Informatiepunt Digitale Overheid.
• Historisch OntmoetingsPunt (HOP) Local history archive and meeting point available at Bergambacht, Krimpen a/d Lek, Ouderkerk a/d IJssel, and Schoonhoven branches. Provides access to local history books, the complete digitized Schoonhovensche Courant (1869–1979), the Cock van Holten photo collection, genealogical records, and related lectures and exhibitions.
• Mijn Bibliotheek (Mijn Menu) Member-facing web portal integrated with the Wise/OCLC backend. Members use it to view borrowed items, extend loans, top up card credit, pay fees via iDEAL/Wero, manage personal details, and track reservations. Integrated with the national SSO shared with the Koninklijke Bibliotheek.
• Soofos Online Courses Online course platform providing 150+ self-paced courses in Dutch on topics such as personal development, health, nutrition, language, creativity, sustainability, and self-care. Library members access Soofos using their Bibliotheek login credentials. Certificates are awarded upon course completion.
• SkillsTown Online Courses Online course platform providing courses on digital skills, AI, online safety, communication, and leadership. Library members access SkillsTown via the Koninklijke Bibliotheek SSO. Courses range from short modules to comprehensive training programs.
• Digitale Bronnen Suite of online databases and reference tools accessible to library members from home or on-site, including Delpher (historical newspapers), EBSCO (scientific journals), GALE (newspaper archives), Springer/BSL (Dutch medical journals), WorldCat Discovery, Filmbieb (streaming films), Muziekweb (music streaming), Consumentenbond, Uittrekselbank, Literom, DBNL, and Passend Lezen (80,000 audiobooks for people with reading limitations).
• Mijn Leesclub (Reading Club Service) Reading club service providing multiple copies of the same book title for simultaneous reading by club members. Titles are available with descriptions via the Mijn Leesclub platform with easy reservation and delivery to the local branch. The library also supports an Online Leesclub via the Online Bibliotheek with a monthly highlighted e-book.
• Informatiepunt Digitale Overheid Help desk where library staff assist residents with digital interactions with government institutions (e.g., DigiD, online municipal services). Available at multiple branches including Ouderkerk a/d IJssel and Gouderak, with specific opening hours.
• Digitale Café Free, informal weekly or bi-weekly drop-in session at the library where residents can get help with smartphones, tablets, apps, internet, and e-reader e-book downloads. Staffed by trained volunteers. No library membership required.
• Library Membership (Annual Subscription) Tiered annual membership subscription providing access to physical collections, digital content, and programs. Free for youth under 18, €50/year for adult membership with e-books, €42/year for digital-only, €60/year for institutions.

Quantifiable outcome

• Free membership for all children and youth under 18 years
• +3 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SoofoscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 July 2025Online course platform partnership providing over 150 courses on topics including health, nutrition, movement, language, creativity, sustainability, and self-care. Library members receive free access through their membership credentials.
• SkillsTowncoreTechnology or Integration · 1 July 2025Online learning platform providing courses on digital skills, AI, online safety, communication, and leadership. Library members receive free access integrated with their library credentials.
• Koninklijke Bibliotheek (Royal Library)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint processing responsibility for the national login system (landelijk inlogsysteem). The Bibliotheek Krimpenerwaard and Koninklijke Bibliotheek share data processing responsibilities under GDPR for the online Bibliotheek access, including sharing membership numbers, birth dates, and access rights.
• Centraal Bureau voor Statistiek (CBS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerData enrichment partnership where CBS uses member data for national library research purposes. Members can opt out by contacting the library.
• ProBiblio/PSCAcoreTechnology or IntegrationProvincial support organization providing software, system administration, and operational support for the library management systems including member administration, lending, and collection management.
• Historische Vereniging BergambachtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistorical society partner contributing to the Historisch OntmoetingsPunt (HOP) program, providing local historical resources and expertise.
• Historische Vereniging CrempeneminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistorical society partner contributing to the Historisch OntmoetingsPunt (HOP) program for local history preservation and access.
• Historische Vereniging Ouderkerck op d'IJsselminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistorical society partner contributing to the HOP program for the Ouderkerk aan den IJssel area.
• Historische Vereniging SchoonhovenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistorical society partner contributing to the HOP program for Schoonhoven and surrounding area.
• Streekarchief Midden-HollandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional archives partner providing digitized historical newspapers including the complete Schoonhovensche Courant (1869-1979) for the HOP program.
• SeniorwebminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership offering senior-focused computer and technology courses that members can take from home through the Seniorweb platform.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bibliotheek Den Haag: Municipal library foundation in the same South Holland province, offering the same core combination of lending, Online Bibliotheek access, Taalhuis programs, and Informatiepunt Digitale Overheid services.
• Bibliotheek Rotterdam: Regional Dutch public library foundation serving a major South Holland municipality with similar multi-branch model, e-learning integrations, and language/digital skills programs (Taalhuis).
• OBA — Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam: Large municipal public library with similar service mix (physical lending, e-books, language courses, government help desks) operating at much greater scale but with the same Dutch public-library funding model.
• Bibliotheek Utrecht: Municipal library foundation with matching service portfolio including digital learning platforms, DigiTaalhuis equivalent, and historical archive programming.
• Bibliotheek Leiden: Regional Dutch public library in South Holland with comparable community programming, e-learning integrations, and historical archive services.
• Bibliotheek Gouda: Neighboring municipal library in the same Zuid-Holland province with directly comparable services, target segments, and partnership profile (Koninklijke Bibliotheek, ProBiblio).

Broad incumbents

• Koninklijke Bibliotheek (KB): The Dutch national library that operates the Online Bibliotheek platform, national SSO, and joint-controller data arrangements; partner rather than competitor but operates the digital infrastructure the foundation depends on.

Others

• Stichting CPNB: Dutch collective book-promotion foundation; sector-adjacent enabler running national reading campaigns (e.g., Kinderboekenweek, Nederland Leest) that materially shape library borrowing traffic.
• Online Bibliotheek (Koninklijke Bibliotheek platform): National e-book/audiobook lending platform; an ecosystem enabler rather than a peer, but its content depth directly shapes the foundation's service value proposition.
• ProBiblio: Provincial support organization providing shared library management software, system administration, and operational support to Bibliotheek Krimpenerwaard — an enabler rather than competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bibliotheekkw
• Facebookfacebook.com/bibliotheekkrimpenerwaard
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/de-bibliotheek-krimpenerwaard
• Instagraminstagram.com/bibliotheekkrimpenerwaard
• Pinterestnl.pinterest.com/bibliotheekkw/?eq=bibliotheek%20krimpenerwaa&etslf=7890

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 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 de Bibliotheek Krimpenerwaard