Muntpunt visitor numbers three times higher than expected

Muntpunt, the new library and information centre in downtown Brussels, has attracted 100,000 visitors since it opened in early September. About 9,000 people a week have come through the doors, three times more than the organisation expected.

The building on Muntplein comprises a five-storey library with books, CDs and DVDs, as well as study areas, meeting rooms, private reading booths, a play area for children, a cafe and spaces for talks by visiting authors. The building also provides a range of information on Dutch-language services in Brussels, including cultural centres and evening classes.

Muntpunt replaced the old public library HOB on Muntplein/Place de la Monnaie, which attracted 6,700 visitors a week at its height, before it put two-thirds of its catalogue in storage and offered limited services in the lead-up to the opening of Muntpunt.

HOB, however, loaned out substantially more books and other media: about 15,000 items a week compared to Muntpunt’s 7,800. “The gap between visitors and loans shows we are more than just a library,” said Muntpunt director Ann Van Driessche. “Many visitors come not to borrow but to look for information about Brussels, to attend the activities we organise or simply to work or meet others.”

Anyone can become a member of Muntpunt to check out materials. The library currently counts 10,000 members, 70% from Brussels. About 30% are under 25.