People for books

Beppie Ortmans (61), Project manager at the Municipality of Heerlen, lives in Sint Pieter

“What a place! I love books, but this is my first time here. A friend told me about it. I could easily spend hours here. I’ve already found 3 gifts. Datumloze dagen is for my daughter. I thought it was such a beautiful book. When I read it, I completely forgot everything around me. That’s why I enjoy reading so much: you lose yourself in another world for a while.

These 2 books are for colleagues. They’re written by Abbie Chalgoum. I saw his performance and met him afterwards. In my work, I deal with young victims of domestic violence. Abbie experienced that himself. His story is deeply impressive.”
 

Yvo Nijs (72), former Ford Genk employee, lives in Lanaken

“People come here from far and wide to buy books. Even volunteers cross the border to help out. I live in Lanaken and I’ve been working here for more than 10 years now, along with several other Belgians.

A love of reading runs in my family. As a child I started with comic books, then I read anything I could get my hands on. From Arendsoog to Beekman en Beekman. I don’t have a single favourite book, but I do have a clear interest: history, especially the Second World War.

You’ll usually find me in the history section or in one of the rooms devoted to Limburg. Every volunteer here has their own subject area. I’m also a bit of a general helper. It’s fantastic to work here. Not just because of the books, but because of the people. And because we’re doing something good. For charities, but also for schools. Boxes of books regularly go to school libraries free of charge. Getting more children to read is one of our goals.”

Mio (3), and Luca Claveau (30), contractor, both live in Wahlwiller
 

“Dikkie Dik is really funny. He falls over! He can’t do that!” says toddler Mio, who is visiting with his father Luca.

“We read to him every evening,” Luca says. “That’s our ritual: brushing teeth, reading a book, singing a song – and then it’s time to sleep.

Books are the nicest gifts there are. So, here’s a tip: looking for a present for new parents? You can’t go wrong with a book. Children’s books are often quite expensive, so this place is just ideal.”

Wies van Beekum (71), former management assistant, born in Maastricht, lives in Meerssen
 

“It started with a single book table down here in the basement. A second and then a third soon followed. The men pushing trolleys through the corridors had to get used to it at first. But a dressed table with books around a single theme instantly makes the space feel cosier.

Last week was pasta week in the cookery section. I put out a jar of colourful macaroni and a few pasta plates. Creating a nice atmosphere matters. As hosts, that’s what we do. We sit at the till, welcome visitors and make sure there’s coffee and biscuits for the volunteers.

Wednesday is my regular day here and I always bake a cake as well. I enjoy looking after people and I love reading. That’s why I’ve been working here for 3 years now. I never read just anything. A book has to teach me something or surprise me. Tirza by Arnon Grunberg certainly does. Highly recommended.”