Bijzondere Collectie

Deventer is a town on the IJssel river in the east of the Netherlands, and in the Middle Ages it was one of the most important trading and intellectual centres of the region. It belonged to the Hanseatic League, and its merchants traded along the river with the Baltic and the Rhine. It was also a centre of learning. In the late fourteenth century, Geert Grote started in Deventer the religious movement known as the Devotio Moderna, which stressed personal piety and simple Christian living, and the town's schools attracted pupils from all over Europe, among them the future humanist Erasmus. Books, reading and printing have been part of the town's identity ever since, and the annual book market, held in the summer along the river, is one of the largest in Europe.

A special collection in such a town is therefore a natural thing. The Bijzondere Collectie, the Special Collection, is the term used for the older and rarer holdings of the local library, the sort of material that is kept apart from the general lending stock because of its age, value or fragility. The details of what is held and how it is shown to the public are not widely published, so it is best to check with the library or the tourist office before planning a visit. Collections of this kind often include manuscripts, early printed books, archives, maps, prints and documents relating to the history of the town and the region. Deventer was a printing centre from the fifteenth century, so books produced by its early printers may be among them.

The visit is likely to be quiet and focused. Rare books and documents are usually handled with care, shown in displays or consulted under supervision, and visitors may need to book in advance or come at set times. The material rewards patience, and the staff are often glad to explain what they hold. For those with an interest in history, handwriting, printing or the culture of the late Middle Ages, it can be fascinating.

The centre of Deventer is a pleasure to explore on foot. The Brink, the old market square, has the Waag, a Renaissance weigh house, and the churches of Saint Lebuinus and the Bergkerk dominate the skyline. Narrow lanes lead to the river and to the old town walls, and the town is known for its gingerbread, a local speciality, and for cafes and independent shops. The IJssel promenade offers walks.

The collection suits history lovers, researchers and book fans. A visit can take half an hour to two hours. Check opening times and access conditions, since they vary.