Residents of Amsterdam up to the Age of 27 will have Free Access to Libraries
The municipality of Amsterdam has announced plans to increase the maximum age for free access to the city's public libraries from 18 to 27 years in 2025. Additionally, access to libraries will also be free for all teachers in the city, The Mayor reports.
The Amsterdam City Council aims to involve all public libraries as partners in a program aimed at improving overall reading and language skills among the city's youth. One of the main projects is the creation of a library base that will meet the needs of the population and the interests of young people.
The local government also plans to help overcome digital inequality in society. One of the problems is that about 20% of Amsterdam residents lack digital skills, and 14% of individuals with low income do not have their own gadgets. In libraries, these groups of residents will be able to access affordable digital support and learn about new technologies.
Libraries in Amsterdam will provide meeting spaces where everyone can find something interesting for themselves. These spaces will be developed taking into account the characteristics of each district of the city so that all residents have convenient access to them.
It is worth noting that libraries in large European cities act as important cultural and educational centres aimed at reducing social disparities in society.
Recall that The Gaze reported that Mayor of Amsterdam Femke Halsema believes that "the war on drugs cannot be won" and proposes to regulate the sale and use of cocaine in the city to undermine the economic flows of criminal groups, which, according to her, make "billions" in profits.
The Mayor of Amsterdam noted that everyone benefits from the legalization of cocaine, as combating drug trafficking is futile.
The Mayor of Amsterdam, who previously attempted to limit visits by tourists seeking drugs and sex services to the Dutch capital, organized public debates on the legalization of cocaine in Amsterdam on January 26.
However, despite the beliefs of many tourists that Amsterdam adheres to an "anything goes" policy, the city is actively considering options to reduce the number of brothels, establishments associated with pornography, and cannabis cafes. Among the discussed possibilities are relocating brothels away from the city centre and closing cafes.