Literacy Matters! An integrated approach to literacy, reading and libraries in the Netherlands

In 2015, a new Library law was introduced in the Netherlands. One of the five core functions within the law is the promotion of reading and an introduction to literature for all young people. Another article dictates that public libraries should support local education. The target group for this law is young people (0-18 years old) and the goals for action for public libraries are explicit. This paper examines the Ongoing Reading Line 0-18 program which was originally developed to promote reading and education in literature. The Ongoing Reading Line provides a starting point for public libraries to fulfill the goals of the new national Library policy.