Ten public libraries in Belgium

De Krook Library, Ghent

Writing in The Word Magazine, Sarah Schug says "The Internet and its 'let me Wiki that for you' culture have challenged public libraries’ supremacies head on, forcing those with ambitions for the future to radically rethink their very nature and approach, often making good use of technology – advanced searches, apps and data walls – along the way."

Paying tribute to ten distinguished public libraries she gives an illustrated tour, diving into their unique collections.

Specialisms range from architecture and records of the country's heritage to Belgium's controversial colonial history, a library originating from a private collection. There are profiles of the ground-breaking and award-winning De Krook city library in Ghent, along with libraries specialising in media, classical music, feminism - and a library dedicated solely to adventure stories.