Brunssum library set to move to town centre, boosting local vitality
Brunssum’s library is relocating to the town centre, transforming into a full-service hub for knowledge, culture, and social interaction. The move aims to attract 85,000 visitors annually, enhancing both community engagement and economic activity in the heart of the town.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Current Location | Rombouts College, Rumpenerstraat (since 2008) |
| New Location | Kerkstraat, town centre |
| Expected Visitors Annually | 85,000 |
| Core Functions | Knowledge, development, reading, social interaction, culture |
| Decision Timeline | June 2026 |
| Parties Involved | Municipality of Brunssum, Mijn Streek Bibliotheek |
| Key Figures | Councillor Merle Brüning, Egid van Houtem (Director/CEO, Mijn Streek Bibliotheek) |
The municipality of Brunssum is responsible for local infrastructure and public services, including the provision of cultural and social facilities like libraries. Mijn Streek Bibliotheek manages regional library services, ensuring access to knowledge, development, and community spaces for residents.
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Intent agreement first step in library relocation
The municipality of Brunssum and Mijn Streek Bibliotheek (My Regional Library) today signed an intent agreement regarding the relocation of Brunssum Library from Rombouts College to a location in the town centre (Kerkstraat). The agreement is the first step towards making the relocation possible in the long term.
Brunssum Library has been located at its current site in Rombouts College on Rumpenerstraat since 2008. Before that, the library was housed on the lower floors of the town hall on Lindeplein.
Full-service library
The relocation of the library to the centre of Brunssum will enable its further development into a full-service library where visitors can access all library services, both physical and digital. Additionally, the establishment of the library in the town centre will strengthen the social and economic vitality of Brunssum’s heart.
The relocation is also driven by the desire to maintain a full-service public library in Brunssum, with five core functions (knowledge, development, reading, social interaction, and culture). Egid van Houtem, Director and CEO of Mijn Streek Bibliotheek, notes that the move will enable the library to better fulfil its social mission. “At the new location, the library can grow into an even warmer and more accessible meeting place: a true ‘third place’ where people can come together and develop themselves. The new location underscores the library’s role as a ‘Workshop for Life’: a place where residents can acquire new skills, find inspiration, receive support, and meet others.”
The relocation of the library to the centre of Brunssum will not only provide clear social benefits but also economic added value. “The library is much more than a place where you borrow books,” says councillor Merle Brüning. “It is an important social facility where residents can meet, develop themselves, and access knowledge, information, and culture. By relocating the library to the centre, we make this function more visible and accessible to everyone. At the same time, we also enhance the vibrancy and appeal of Brunssum’s town centre.”
The new location is expected to attract around 85,000 visitors per year.
Intent agreement
By signing the intent agreement, both parties formally commit to making the relocation possible in the long term. The signing paves the way for further steps in planning the relocation, including design, renovation, and interior design.
The decision-making process is expected to take place in June 2026.
Councillor Merle Brüning and Egid van Houtem, Director and CEO of Mijn Streek Bibliotheek, in Kerkstraat in Brunssum. The relocation of the library to the centre of Brunssum will not only provide clear social benefits but also economic added value. Photo: Emile Verhijden.