Jul172023

Next month, it’s finally time for IFLA WLIC 2023 to welcome library and information professionals from all over the world in Rotterdam. In other words, it’s high time to prepare for your visit to the Netherlands! And what better way for a library person like yourself to do so than by reading a book (or several books)? Read on for a few book tips.

 

Why the Dutch are Different (https://a.co/d/5HL10ph)

Ben Coates was born in the UK, but lives in Rotterdam with his Dutch wife. In this book, he not only talks about what daily life in his new home country is like, but also explores the history and national customs of the Netherlands.

In doing so, he discovers why one of the world’s smallest countries is also so significant and so fascinating. Ben Coates investigates what makes the Dutch the Dutch, why the Netherlands is much more than Holland, and why the colour orange is so important.
Dutch Picture Dictionary Coloring Book: Over 1500 Dutch Words and Phrases for Creative & Visual Learners of All Ages (https://a.co/d/clRPoHc)

For those who would like to take a deep dive into the Dutch language in a creative way. This book contains both detailed theory as well as colouring pictures and quizzes that will help you learn the language.
Taste of Rotterdam

May not be available abroad, but can be purchased via Rotterdam-based bookstores (online and in-store)

Taste of Rotterdam takes you on a journey through Rotterdam. This English-language cookbook contains 41 local dishes from the countries participating in the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, but with a Rotterdam twist. Food connects and brings people together. To speak of Rotterdam in terms of food alone would not do it justice, however the true flavour of this city is the product of so many more ingredients than that! You will therefore also find a list of great places to have a drink, grab a bite, spend the night, party and dance, as well as tips for museums and other sights worth seeing.

Experience the dishes and the rest of this book as the taste of Rotterdam – a city that, with countless languages, people, and more than 175 nationalities, can truly call itself a metropolis.