Library Zuid-Kennemerland, located in the heart of Haarlem, Bloemendaal, Heemstede, Zandvoort, Bennebroek, and Hillegom, has in recent years captured not only the literary hearts, but also the sustainability values of its community. As an independent entity, the library has a mission to provide high-quality public library services, a mission that is the basis for ekz benelux’s recent and necessary investment in new technology.
Sustainable Hospitality
We start with figures that speak of a thriving community of readers and members. In 2020, Zuid-Kennemerland Library welcomed 66,251 members, representing an impressive 26% of the region’s population. And even though the world was hit by the pandemic in 2020, the library managed to facilitate 938,829 loans, with almost 14% being digital. These figures show not only the community’s commitment to reading, but also the library’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
The Zuid-Kennemerland Library is more than just numbers. It is a place where reading, learning and spending time go hand in hand. The library branches serve not only as spaces for borrowing books, but also as welcoming environments for people of all ages.
Since 2015, the business processes of Zuid-Kennemerland Library have been certified according to the standards of “Sustainable Hospitality (Gold)”. This seal of approval reflects not only the quality of service, but also the deep-rooted commitment to sustainability in the organisation. The certificate demonstrates a commitment to go beyond book lending by transforming the library into a sustainable meeting place.
The Future of Self-Service
It is time to replace and renew the existing equipment for returning, borrowing and renewing materials, including the outdated visitor counters. An essential project, coinciding with a large-scale renovation and renewal, with the library Haarlem centre as its focal point.
The vision is clear: Library Zuid-Kennemerland aims to be an accessible place with modern self-service services, where visitors can find their way effortlessly. The aim is to enable visitors to return and re-lend materials completely independently. It is not just about revamping the equipment; it is about creating a seamless experience for the community.
With the equipment replacements, ekz benelux has already made strides in the aforementioned sites. The result? A flawless implementation of new technologies and a rejuvenation of the self-lending counters with new glass panels, which is giving the furniture a whole new look.
Sustainability in Action
Sustainability is not limited to certificates, but is lived into every decision made by Zuid-Kennemerland Library. The renewal of equipment is aimed not only at improved services for the community, but also at reducing work for staff. An internal shift that contributes to the sustainable growth of the library. Thanks to ekz benelux’s technology, the library’s staff can focus on the library’s visitors.
The renovation and renewal of the Haarlem centre library not only includes physical adjustments, such as climate control, insulation and lighting, but also the provision of a contemporary space that meets modern service expectations. It is an investment in the future of the library as a dynamic centre of information and community building.
A New Chapter
As the innovations make their way to the core of Zuid-Kennemerland Library, a new chapter in the story of this library begins. A chapter in which sustainability, innovation and accessibility go hand in hand. As members and visitors prepare to use the library completely independently, the vision of a modern, sustainable and welcoming meeting place comes to life.
The library of Zuid-Kennemerland is not only evolving with the times; it is setting the tone for the future of libraries as essential cornerstones of knowledge, connection and sustainability. And as renovations and renewals unfold, the promise to the community remains clear: the Zuid-Kennemerland Library is not just a place where books live; it is a vibrant centre where the community thrives thanks in part to ekz benelux’s technology.
Do you want to know more about the innovative technology of ekz benelux? Read more about the selfcheck servicehere.
