The 27th Dordrecht Book Market with even more vinyl on July 7, 2024

After the highly successful 2023 trial edition with a limited number of vinyl participants, we want to expand the selection of LPs this year. The reactions from both dealers and visitors were so positive that strengthening the vinyl selection is a logical consequence. This year, nearly 30 stalls are ready on the Steegoversloot for LPs and singles. The regular 2023 Book Market was also a great success with high visitor numbers, and for this new edition, we can even welcome a clear increase in registrations and a further rejuvenation of the participants. From 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and please come by bike or public transport! The theme this year is 'Naturally Sporty'.

Dordrecht July 7

On Sunday, July 7, 2024, the historic city center of Dordrecht will be the beautiful backdrop for the 27th edition of the Dordtse Boekenmarkt. A ribbon of several hundred book stalls and thirty vinyl stalls winds its way through the city. In addition to a wide selection of books, there is a musical and literary program and cozy terraces for all visitors. There are three stages in the city, a roving pianist, and a children's market at the library.  

Rare Dordrecht States Bible from 1702 on display

Bibliotheek AanZet is using the 27th Dordste Boekenmarkt on July 7 to exhibit one of the rarest and oldest books in its collection for the first time: a rare Statenbijbel from 1702. On that day, visitors can even view and leaf through it up close. Last January, collection manager Lonneke van der Ark acquired a special book: a States Bible printed in 1702 by the Keur brothers from Dordrecht. This new translation of the Bible into Dutch originated from a commission by the Synod of Dordrecht and had a major influence on the development of the Dutch language. In short, the history of this book is intertwined with the history of the city of Dordrecht. To make heritage more accessible and to tell the story of Dordrecht, the book is being added to the library's Dordt collection. The cushion on which the States Bible is displayed is also very special: it is handmade with gold embroidery by Stichting Philadelphia at the Atelier Groenmarkt location.

(A special series of stamps is being released to commemorate the Synod. The theme is the church assembly that took place in Dordrecht 400 years ago. During the Synod, it was decided to produce the first official Dutch translation of the Bible. The first stamps feature a painting of the Synod of Dordrecht, which was held from 1618-1619. The second stamp features an image of the title page of the first edition of the Statenvertaling from 1637, the Bible translation decided upon during this synod. The third stamp depicts a meeting of the National Synod, new style.) During the Book Market, Bibliotheek AanZet also sells (discarded) books, organizes a literary walk, serves as a convenient meeting point, and features a unique little bookshop where book characters are brought to life in surprising ways. The Statenbijbel is the icing on the cake. It is not often that such an old book may be touched and leafed through, but it is a magical experience that we wish for all our visitors and the visitors of the book market, says project leader Amber Bregman.  

Sporty, of course!

There is no getting around it, of course: this entire summer revolves around sport. We have already seen all the spring classics, with their accompanying drama and crashes, whiz by, and can prepare ourselves for the Tour de France, the men's and women's events, the European Football Championship, countless other sporting highlights, and, of course, the Olympic Games in Paris. A city where, as an ordinary visitor, you can no longer go at all this summer due to the absurdly high prices.

Naturally, the question arose for us: how should we shape this theme in our programming? Should we choose an individual athlete, a team sport, or an entire event? Many names passed our table for ideas, but ultimately we opted for a completely different approach: we chose 'NatuurlijkSportief'. Further on in this website, the initiator of this project, Teun van der Klis, will guide you further through this sporting process, but what appeals to us most is the fact that, regardless of age and without expensive gym memberships, personal trainers, or club obligations, you can train and maintain your body in this way. Simply during a walk through a park or a bike ride along the river. You will find the practical implementation in the Museum Garden, and you will hear the philosophy behind it during three short sessions in the Kunstkerk. Especially as the years start to take their toll—and I can speak from experience—it is wise to move a lot, but above all, to move well, and 'NatuurlijkSportief' helps with that. Have fun searching for books according to your wish list and enjoy the walk along the Dordrecht route in the city center! Source used: website and program booklet of the book market organization.  

<strong> More info: </strong>

27th Dordrecht Book Market: http://www.dordtseboekenmarkt.nl/ States Bible: https://www.bibliotheekaanzet.nl/statenbijbel