City of Antwerp libraries rebranded A-bib

The City of Antwerp’s 18 public libraries are being brought together under a single new name: A-bib. The new brand is intended to make the city’s library network easier to recognise, while highlighting that its branches offer much more than books.

The Antwerp library network will now operate under the A-bib name, giving all 18 locations a common identity. The city says the move is designed to make the libraries more recognisable and accessible, while reflecting their increasingly broad role in local communities.

Libraries remain places to borrow books, comics, newspapers and magazines, but visitors can also use study spaces, take part in creative MaakBib workshops, practise Dutch, attend activities for all ages and make use of a wide range of digital services.

“With A-bib, we are giving our libraries one recognisable face, but above all we want to show what they already are today: much more than a place where you come to borrow a book,” said Lien Van de Kelder (Vooruit), Antwerp’s Alderwoman for Culture. “A library is a place where you walk in, meet people, read, learn, create, discover and simply be for a while. In a way, it is the living room of the city. With the library plan, we want to build on that role: accessible, close to home and for everyone.”

With branches spread across the city, Antwerp says there is always an A-bib nearby. A single library membership gives users access to all 18 libraries in the network.

New names make libraries easier to identify

The launch of A-bib also comes with a series of changes to individual branch names. Several libraries are being renamed after their neighbourhood or location, making it easier for residents to identify the branch closest to their home, school, workplace or sports club.

The new names are intended to make the network clearer and more recognisable for Antwerp residents.

The A-bib network now consists of:

• A-bib Permeke.
• A-bib Linkeroever (formerly Elsschot Library).
• A-bib Sint-Andries.
• A-bib Brederode.
• A-bib Kiel (formerly Kielpark Library).
• A-bib Luchtbal.
• A-bib Berchem (formerly De Poort Library).
• A-bib Vertellerij.
• A-bib Viswater.
• A-bib Borgerhout (formerly Vrede Library).
• A-bib Borsbeek.
• A-bib Deurne (formerly Couwelaar Library).
• A-bib Arena.
• A-bib Ekeren (formerly Driehoek Library).
• A-bib Hoboken.
• A-bib Merksem (formerly Park Library).
• A-bib Bist.
• Jongerenbib kubus Permeke.

A-bib Ekeren is currently closed for renovation. Users can instead visit the temporary library at Rozemaai community centre.

More information is available at a-bib.be.