The LocHal in Tilburg has been named the best library in the Netherlands 2020 by Bibliotheekblad, the journal platform for libraries in the Netherlands and the Flemish region of Belgium (Flanders).

Tilburg’s LocHal the best library in the Netherlands

The winner is selected by a professional jury as well as public voting, and LocHal beat four other finalists to take the 2020 title. However, Bibliotheekblad notes that this year saw a significant difference in the jury selection and public winner. 

Forum, the cultural centre in Groningen which earlier this month won the award for the best building in the Netherlands, was the jury’s number one pick, but the library couldn’t win over the public. Instead, LocHal took home more than 5.000 of the approximately 13.000 public votes. 

In the press statement, the jury said LocHal had attracted significant public attention due to its architecture, and the heritage of the building combined with the extensive collection on offer. The jury also noted that the library had carried out a successful publicity campaign and had built up a good relationship with its visitors and the local community.

The final 2020 rankings 

The jury, made up of a group of library directors from across the country, praised all five finalists and the work they do, saying: “All of them are inspiring libraries, which are more than worth a visit!” However, of course, there can only be one winner. 

The final rankings, and percentage of votes that went to each library, are as follows:

1. LocHal - 30,4 percent
2. Forum Groningen - 26,9 percent
3. Huis van Eemnes - 15,4 percent 
4. bblhtk Wageningen - 15,1 percent 
5. Forum Zoetermeer - 12,2 percent

While libraries across the country may be closed thanks to the new coronavirus measures, be sure to make a note of these impressive libraries, so you can visit in the future when restrictions are a thing of the past. To get a taste of what LocHal has to offer, check out their video bid below.