Galmaarden Library Moves into Rebuilt Church, Transforming Historic Site

The library in Galmaarden is set to move to a new, prominent location: the rebuilt Sint-Pieterskerk in the town center. This significant relocation will occur over the summer, with the library temporarily closing its doors to the public starting September. To accommodate the move and ensure patrons can still access materials, extended borrowing periods have been implemented, allowing visitors to keep books longer.

Sandra Dero, the alderman for Libraries, explained that the entire collection will be packed thematically and reinstalled in the new library by early September. She noted that many residents took advantage of the temporary policy, borrowing more books to assist with the moving process. "The more books were borrowed, the less moving work we had," Dero remarked, highlighting the community's helpful participation.

The new library space promises to be more than just a repository for books. It will incorporate a play area, a dedicated children's corner, and a coffee corner, aiming to create a welcoming community space. A symbolic event is planned for the opening: the last children's book will be transported from the old location to the new one with the help of local children.

This move breathes new life into the Sint-Pieterskerk, a building with a challenging past. Severely damaged by a fire years ago, its reconstruction marks a significant revival. In addition to the library, the building will house other facilities, including an observation tower and an event hall. "Something beautiful has been made out of a sad situation," Dero concluded, reflecting on the building's transformation.