Cbibliotheek

Cbibliotheek is a public library network serving a Dutch-speaking region. The name combines the letter C with bibliotheek, signaling central access to knowledge and a catalog-based service model. The network operates multiple physical branches and an online portal that together provide access to books, periodicals, multimedia, and digital resources for residents and researchers.

It originated in the early 2000s as a municipal library consortium intended to standardize cataloging and sharing. It evolved into a formal public institution governed by a representative board comprised of municipal partners, library staff, and community members. Funding comes from local government budgets, with support from national programs for cultural heritage and education.

Cbibliotheek offers loan services for printed works, e-books, audiobooks, and music, as well as reference assistance, study spaces, and programming for children, students, and seniors. Interlibrary loan, museum passes, and access to archives are part of the core services. The collections emphasize local history, literature, science, and multilingual materials to serve diverse communities.

The library uses a unified online catalog and digital lending platform, enabling cross-branch reservations, self-checkout, and remote access to databases. It prioritizes user privacy and data protection and provides digital literacy training and guidance for using online resources.

Cbibliotheek aims to strengthen information literacy, support education, and foster cultural participation. Future priorities include expanding rural access, developing partnerships with schools and cultural institutions, and increasing digitization of regional archival material.