A book’s story doesn’t end with one child.
Born in Amstelveen, KitapBuurt helps children’s books find new readers. We connect families, encourage reuse and make books in every language easier to access.
An idea that started at home
When a child finishes a book, is that book’s story over too?
KitapBuurt began with this question in our home in Amstelveen. As our child grew, we noticed once-loved books gathering on the shelves. For other children, those same books could be entirely new adventures.
There were books waiting to be read, and families looking for affordable books in their own languages. We created KitapBuurt to bring them together.
Our mission
To give children’s books a longer life and make books easier for families to access. We offer a place where families can give books away or sell them at affordable prices.
Our vision
A future where books keep moving between children and sharing is part of everyday life for families, schools and neighbourhoods. We aim to bring what we learn in Amstelveen to other cities across the Netherlands.
A small beginning, tangible results
We look beyond the number of books listed to the books that reach a new reader.
Our first month of activity
- books reached new readers
- 400+
- families received books
- 50+
- books shared for free
- 30+
- people joined our community
- 200+
- children’s books listed
- 850+
Results reported by KitapBuurt for its first month of activity; these are not live counters.
OBS De Verrekijker · Amstelveen
Sharing around the school, in Amstelveen
Our first school pilot began with families around OBS De Verrekijker. Our aim was to make sharing children’s books easier within the same school community.
The first two weeks of the pilot
- new members
- 40+
- families offered books
- 10+
- books added
- 100+
- books reached new readers
- 50+
This experience showed that a school community can be a strong starting point for sharing books. Our next goal is to use what we have learned to develop similar networks around other schools and neighbourhoods in Amstelveen.
Why another reader matters
Making more of what already exists
A children’s book in good condition can be enjoyed by many children. By making reuse easier, we aim to extend the life of books and help reduce waste. Collecting books nearby can also reduce the need for shipping and packaging.
Books that fit the family budget
Second-hand and free books help families keep up with their children’s changing ages and interests at a lower cost. Joining KitapBuurt and listing books is free. Families choose whether to give their books away or set a selling price.
New stories in every language
Children’s books in every language are welcome on KitapBuurt. We help families access books in their home languages and in languages they are learning. Amstelveen’s multicultural community helps us understand this need first-hand.
Technology that makes sharing easier
The easier it is to share a book, the better its chance of finding a new reader. That is where we put technology to work.
Add a book with a photo
AI suggests book details from a photo of the cover. The person sharing the book reviews and edits the suggestions before publishing the listing.
Discover books for your child
Families can discover books based on their children’s ages, languages and interests, making it easier to find suitable books in the catalogue.
Find books nearby
The map helps families discover books in their area and consider local collection.
Learning locally, building a sustainable business
We are developing KitapBuurt as a business where social value and a viable long-term business model can grow together.
We aim to keep membership and book listings free for families while developing sustainable partnerships with schools, municipalities, local organisations and professional second-hand booksellers.
We want to turn what we learn in Amstelveen into a model other communities can use. We aim to track progress through books reaching new readers, families sharing books, free exchanges and local participation.
Share a book. Start a new story.
Have a children’s book at home that is no longer being read? It could become another child’s favourite.
Are you a school or local organisation? Get in touch.Started in Amstelveen. Growing with every new reader.