Bibliotheek Permeke, Antwerp

Bibliotheek Permeke, the central library of Antwerp, is located in a building that from the beginning was a barrel factory and later a garage.  The name of the library is also related to its history. The family name of the garage owner was Permeke.  The earlier use of the building is still visible. This is an industrial surrounding with rough materials like concrete and steel. The ramp for cars has been changed to stairs. Even the exterior is special. The green glass cubic with the text Permeke is a restaurant and the library is behind this façade building. The library has two floors. The upper floor is an adult area. There is a strong emphasis on children´s activities. The whole ground floor is dedicated to children and teens. The collection of media is abundant and like other Belgian libraries the supply of comic strips is versatile. There are fees for services for adults, but wifi is free. The courtyard behind the library is a surprise, a hidden resource. FOUR stars: Very good.