Programme
Programme MetLib 2026 | October 25-28, 2026
Hosted by G4 Libraries The Netherlands (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht)
Please note: this programme is currently being developed. The schedule is subject to change.
The final program is in its last phase of development. Registration for the excursions and sessions will likely start in mid-September. You will be notified automatically once registration is open.
Sunday, October 25 | Utrecht & The Hague
Address: Neude 11, 3512 AE Utrecht
| 12:30 PM | Welcome first participants & departure to The Hague (bus transfer) |
| 02:00 PM | Optional excursion to The Hague Library: |
Step into The Hague Library, at the heart of one of the Netherlands’ most diverse cities, where over 90 languages are spoken. With a central library (at Spui) and 17 branches across the city, it is deeply connected to its communities and to everyday urban life, and you’ll get to experience that firsthand.
As a community library, it starts from residents’ needs, creating spaces to read, learn and connect. Guided by its policy plan Our place, for all, it champions reading, lifelong learning, digital participation and the city’s multilingualism.
Working closely with residents, schools and partners, The Hague Library grows with the city, strengthening social cohesion, supporting equal opportunities and creating room for everyone to participate, learn and engage.
You’ll also be welcomed by keynote speaker Julia Janssen, who explores how technology is shaping our future. Our world is increasingly digital: data and algorithms put information within easy reach, but also raise new questions about who we are.
What happens to our freedom, autonomy and way of thinking in a world built on digital systems? How do we stay human and how can libraries keep engaging people in personal, non-digital ways?
In this keynote, artist and researcher Julia Janssen examines how technology shapes our understanding of the world, bringing this digital reality closer to human experience.
Registration for this excursion is mandatory.
| 05:00 PM | Transfer back to Utrecht (bus transfer) |
| 06:00 PM | Welcome reception @ Utrecht Library Neude Grand Hall |
| 07:00 PM | End day 1 |
07:15-9:00 PM
SUNDAY EVENING: Dinner in the iconic Grand Hall
Enjoy an exclusive welcoming dinner in one of Utrecht’s most iconic places: the Grand Hall of the former Main Post Office of Utrecht. Now housing the Utrecht Public Library.
We are working hard behind the scenes to make this happen for you. As soon as the details are known, we will share them with you.
Monday, October 26 | Amsterdam | OBA Next Kraaiennest
Address: Kraaiennest 80, 1104 CE Amsterdam
OBA Next Lab Kraaiennest is located in a temporary building in Amsterdam-Zuidoost. In that Lab, we experiment extensively with all kinds of programs for young people from all over Amsterdam. The focus is on developing skills that are important for both now and the future. In the same building, you will find café The Cornerstone, where you can go for a cup of coffee, a light lunch, or a drink. In 2030, the permanent, large OBA Next building will open in Kraaiennest.
| 09:00 AM | Check-in & registration |
| 09:30 AM | Welcome by Marjoleine, introducing Tommi Laitio, Chair of the Metropolitan Libraries Section, and Martin Berendse, Director of OBA. |
| 09:45 AM | Introduction: Oba Next Amsterdam The Amsterdam Public Library (OBA) is developing the library of the future, OBA Next, a place where the next generation can feel at home. To explore what this library should look like, the OBA Next Lab Kraaiennest opened this year: a temporary building in a vibrant neighborhood. Here, the OBA is testing out all kinds of programs for young people, with a focus on skills for both the present and the future. The large, permanent building will open in 2030. |
| 10:15 AM | Coffee break |
| 10:45 AM | KEYNOTE: TUMO, Pegor Papazian – Learning for tomorrow’s world The world is changing faster than ever. Technology, AI and digitalisation demand new skills: critical thinking, creativity, independence, collaboration and the ability to adapt time and again. This presents a significant challenge for libraries, cities and learning environments. How do we create spaces where people not only gain access to knowledge, but are also given the opportunity to explore, create and develop themselves? Pegor Papazian is co-founder and Chief Development Officer of TUMO Centre for Creative Technologies, an international educational model where young people develop skills at the intersection of technology, design and creativity. At OBA Next, TUMO now has a permanent home where young people can explore technology, design and creative learning. Pegor Papazian takes us on an inspiring journey through curiosity, ownership and the skills needed for tomorrow’s world. |
| 11:30 AM | Mentimeter |
| 11:45 AM | Lunchtime |
| 12:45 PM | SESSIONS Trendsactive Trendsactive analyses sociocultural trends, which help you to gain a better understanding of the human context, make sense of societal shifts, and human-proof the future of your organization. Their vision: A future is human-proof when organizational, marketing, innovation, and communication strategies are inspired by and resonate with deep human needs, values, and behavior. Trendactive works for profit and non-profit organisations around the world. Get a sense of up-to-date trends before you start working on scenario’s for the future of your library! Klaas Gommers, Andrew Cranfield, Dutch Association of Public Libraries, EBLIDA, Europe New EU report: 67,000 European libraries – six strategic enablers | Resilient track A brandnew EU expert report shows how 67.000 european libraries are adressing ten different societal challenges. Which strategies and best practices help them to unlock their full potential in the future? Ab Velasco | Toronto Public Library | Canada TPL Ai upskilling initiative | Technology track Learn all about the model of TPL’s AI upskilling initiative, a large-scale project that provides Torontonians with free access to Gen AI tools and AI education programs. |
| 01:30 PM | SESSIONS The Hague Library | The Netherlands Mixing panel approach | Learning track Talk about the ‘mixing panel approach’ of The Hague Library’s local library branches: bridging the statutory tasks of the Dutch Public Library Provisions Act and the community library approach; connecting centrally developed programs with local, specific needs – and training our staff to be able to do so. OCLC | Ellen Hartman Connecting knowledge: Advancing metadata with AI and linked data | Technology Track At OCLC, metadata is the foundation of all that we do. It connects people to knowledge, powering discovery, interoperability, and shared infrastructure across libraries worldwide. In the context of adding value to the work of libraries with future proof technology, we are advancing the use of metadata through new data models and technologies, including linked data and AI-driven approaches. OCLC Research’s Data Insights work demonstrates how these innovations unlock richer, more connected knowledge ecosystems. This development is in close partnership with libraries, and we invite you to actively engage, reflect, and help shape the future of metadata together with us. Jan Pier Brands | Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences | Netherlands Validating skills within metropolitan informal communities | Learning Track Jan Pier Brands has a track record in pop and popular culture, developing cultural hotspots and network-driven programming methods. He asks how institutions such as libraries and (higher) education institutions can fulfil their responsibility for validating skills developed within metropolitan informal communities? And how can they provide diplomas? |
| 02:00 PM | Tea break |
| 02:45 PM | SESSIONS Nate Hill, Shannon Mattern & Terry Kirchner | Metropolitan New York Library Council | USA The Library Field – open-air library lab NYC | Resilient track Learn about The Library Field, a 26 acre open air library laboratory just 45 minutes north of New York City where library workers from the region and beyond can reconsider the nature of their work – what it is, who they do it for, and why they do it. Anna Au | Vienna University of Technology | Austria The public health value of libraries | Learning track This workshop explores the public health value of libraries. It starts with an introduction to three major public health frameworks. Through these lenses, seven value dimensions are identified. You will learn how to apply them to examples from your own practice to develop the capacity to communicate your work using public health terminology Sidsel Bech-Petersen | Aarhus Public Libraries | Denmark Libraries as Dream Labs: Co-Creating Resilient Cities | Resilient track How can libraries move from user-centred institutions to platforms for sustainable transformation of ways of living and new collective imaginaries? This session explores how future literacy, speculative design, storytelling and participatory methods can help communities imagine and practice more sustainable futures. Inspired by planetary design, we examine how libraries can work within planetary boundaries and in relation to ecosystems, resources and future generations |
| 03:45 PM | KEYNOTE: Mr. Gene Tan | Chief Librarian & Deputy Chief Executive (Strategy & Experience) National Library & Archives Board, Singapore Meet yourself in the future How can libraries and archives harness generative AI to innovate and experiment? And what can we learn from our colleagues in Singapore? In his keynote Mr. Gene Tan, Chief Librarian of the National Library Board (NLB), takes us on a journey through LAB25, NLB’s transformative vision for the future of libraries and archives. He shares hands-on lessons from GenAI experiments, from Story Gen to ChatBook. A compelling look at how we can move beyond simply being swept along by generative AI, and instead learn to ride it, using AI to enrich storytelling, learning, heritage in the continuous development of a library of the future. |
| 04:45 PM | Wrap up day 2 |
| 05:00 PM | Amsterdam walking tours of your choice: local partners, Bijlmer Monument and neighborhood development. |
| 06:00 PM | Walking dinner buffet OBA Next provided by local partners. Please note: this is an optional, pre-paid dinner that can only be reserved in advance, it will not be available for walk-in registration. More info and registration details will follow shortly. |
| 07:30 PM | End day 2 |
Tuesday, October 27 | Utrecht | Utrecht Neude Public Library
Address: Neude 11, 3512 AE Utrecht
Utrecht Public Library has evolved into a place to borrow, read, learn, share knowledge, and reflect. And to meet people and unwind. Every day, curious people of all ages and backgrounds visit the Neude Library and the 11 neighborhood libraries. With nearly 100,000 members, we are the largest membership club in Utrecht. We promote reading and reading enjoyment, digital skills, and democratic citizenship. So that everyone can participate in our society. And together with the people of Utrecht, we create the library.
| 08:30 AM | Check-in |
| 09:00 AM | Welcome by Deirdre Carasso, managing director of the Utrecht Public Library |
| 09:10 AM | KEYNOTE: TBA |
| 10:10 AM | Coffee break |
| 10:30 AM | SESSIONS Brooks Rainwater, Brian Bannon, Skye Patrick | Urban Libraries Council, New York Public Library, LA County Library | USA Multiple ‘futures’ – AI, reading, library space, role of librarians in 2126 | Learning track Interactive workshop that proposes multiple “futures,” with a core focus on AI’s impact on reading and literacy, the physical space and place of libraries, and how the role of librarians will shift by 2126. Katelijne Morreel | Permeke Library – Central Library Antwerp | Belgium Radical openness vs. urban reality, open narrative on safety | Resilient track Libraries have embraced the third place concept with enthusiasm, but what happens when radical openness meets daily urban reality? An open story about safety and a panel discussion. |
| 11:15 PM | SESSIONS Brainport Libraries | Rotterdam Public Library | The Netherlands Developing a library avatar | Technology track The Rotterdam Public Library and the Brainport Public Libraries are collaborating on the development of a library avatar: a digital assistant that can help, inform and inspire visitors 24/7. In this session they will guide you through their journey. NBC Biblion | Learning track NBD Biblion is the primary service organization for public libraries and schools in the Netherlands, providing book delivery, metadata, digital platforms, and book-binding services. How does NBD Biblion view the future of libraries? Roos Polman & Deirdre Carasso | Utrecht Public Library | The Netherlands House of Active Citizenship | Resilient track Visit the House of Active Citizenship where citizens plan and work on resilient cities and learn how to develop it in your library. |
| 11:45 PM | Lunchtime |
| 12:45 PM | SESSIONS (parallel) Visit Spectacle of Books + group discussion about offline 2 short tours start @ 01:00 and 02:00 PM What are the advantages of going offline? After visiting the Spectacle of Books, the newly opened library for unpublished books, a world first, we discuss an offline future. Lightning talks This session features five to 10 minute lightning presentations from public library leaders around the world about a variety of subjects. Participants: Rie Bojer Kooistra · Copenhagen Libraries, Denmark Hanne Vogt · International Library Consultant, Germany Marjan Marinkovic · Belgrade City Library, Serbia Janja Maras, Ivančica Đukec Kero · Zagreb City Libraries, Croatia Hannah Schöller · Städtische Bibliotheken Dresden, Dresden’s Municipal Libraries, Germany Mirjam Zweers · Probiblio, The Netherlands Anja Flickr · Cologne City Library, Germany Angeline Cabré Ametllé · Barcelona Libraries, Spain Niels ’t Hooft · Immer, Utrecht, The Netherlands MetLib Learning Circle Strengthen social connection and community wellbeing in urban life | Learning track The MetLib Learning Circle, a global talent development programme, creates a valuable international space for peer learning, exchange, and leadership development across metropolitan libraries worldwide. The MetLib Learning Circle Class of 2026–2027 brings together 23 library leaders from 23 library systems in 23 cities, spanning 18 countries and 5 continents. These directors, managers, and senior professionals will explore a shared and timely question: how can public libraries strengthen social connection and community wellbeing in urban life? |
| 02:15 PM | Tea break |
| 02:45 PM | KEYNOTE: Erin Kissane (more info will follow asap) |
| 03:30 PM | KEYNOTE: TBA |
| 04:15 PM | IFLA Centennial shout-out |
| 04:30 PM | Wrap up day 3 |
| 04:45 PM | End of official program day 3, free evening (we will provide you restaurant tips etc.) |
| 05:00 PM | Meeting Standing Committee |
Wednesday, October 28 | Utrecht & Rotterdam
Address: Neude 11, 3512 AE Utrecht
| 08:30 AM | Check-in |
| 09:00 AM | Welcome by Sam Hermans, managing director The Hague Library and Alice Vlaanderen, managing director Rotterdam Public Library |
| 09:15 AM | KEYNOTE: Yuliya Vaganova, director Khanenko Museum, Kyiv | Ukraine What is a museum if it is empty? Following the Russian invasion in 2022, the Khanenko Museum in Kyiv was forced to ask itself existential questions. Museum director Yuliya Vaganova discusses the strategies she developed to confront this new reality. And is it even possible to plan for the future as a museum in wartime? |
| 10:00 AM | Mentimeter |
| 10:15 AM | SCENARIO PLANNING WORKSHOPS 1. Indra Bijl | AEF | Resilient track What makes a city truly urban? Many think of density, skylines, or concentration of people. Yet the essence of urban life is encounter. Resilient cities are therefore diverse cities—places where multiple perspectives meet. How will we facilitate meaningful interaction a century from now? And what role should libraries play? This interactive workshop combines reflection and prototyping future forms of encounter. 2. Floriane-Marielle JOB | Metz Library | France | Resilient track Metropolitan libraries operate at the intersection of pressures: political fragmentation, climate displacement, social rupture, and the erosion of shared public space. This interactive workshop uses speculative design to test one question: can a single library genuinely serve a city fracturing under political and climatic pressure? Participants prototype resilience interventions across four urban scenarios: the precariat city, the climate-displaced community, the withdrawn citizen seeking slow public life, and the district in chronic crisis. 3. Eva Bosgraaf | Media scholar Netherlands | Technology track Follow this interactive workshop grounded in critical librarianship, the movement that rejects institutional neutrality and advocates for libraries as active agents of social justice. Leave with a practical framework for critical AI tool evaluation and one concrete institutional next step. 4. Joost Vervoort | Utrecht University | Learning track Libraries can be understood as infrastructures of the imagination: they provide access to endless fictional and real worlds that help build our collective capacity to imagine past, present and future. What happens if we take libraries seriously as infrastructures for society’s collective capacity to see and realize a better world? What imaginations are being supported and excluded? In this workshop, we will investigate the notion of libraries as imagination infrastructure and develop visions and pathways to help libraries realize their potential in this regard. |
| 11:30 AM | Presenting scenarios, feedback session |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch or bus transfer to Rotterdam (optional, lunch to go for excursion participants) |
| 01:15 PM | Optional excursion to Rotterdam |
Stories of Migration: Excursion to Rotterdam
Every story begins with a journey. Join your fellow librarians from around the world for an excursion to Rotterdam: a city built on movement, exchange, and the courage to begin again. We will visit Fenix, the world’s first art museum entirely devoted to migration. Housed in a historic 1920s warehouse once used by the Holland America Line, Fenix brings together over 170 works by 100 artists, exploring the many dimensions ofhuman journeys.
Talk: Alice Vlaanderen- director Rotterdam Library -will focus on the power of cooperation for resilient metropolitan cities and present for the completely new Central Library which will arise in 2029.
At the time of our visit, a language cafe -activity is taking place: a co-production between the Rotterdam Library and Fenix Museum, where the Dutch language is practised via conversations over a cup of tea.
Registration for this excursion is mandatory.
| 05:00 PM | Bus transfer back to Utrecht or going home @ own expenses |
| 06:30 PM | End day 4 and conference |