A group of literature organisations receive direct state funding via the national basic infrastructure (BIS). In 2025-2028 these included: 1 festival, 2 institutions for literature promotion and one knowledge institution on reading and reading promotion (see also chapter 1.1).
The Dutch Foundation for Literature supports writers and translators, and promotes Dutch literature abroad. It invests in the quality and diversity of Dutch literature through grants for writers, translators, publishers and festivals, and contributes to the production and distribution of Dutch and Frisian literature both at home and abroad. It aims to promote a thriving literary climate, embedded in literary history and attuned to the latest developments in the publishing industry.
Dutch Reading Foundation (Stichting Lezen) promotes reading, both in Dutch and in Friesian, with priority to the age group up to 18. It aligns existing activities and encourages the development of new and original initiatives, methods and tools that are instrumental in reading and reading promotion. This includes the promotion of scientific research in this particular field. Since 1998 the foundation has a chair in Reading Behaviour, which is associated with the VU University Amsterdam.
Literatuurmuseum (Literature Museum) focuses on the literary heritage of the Netherlands. It is one of the museums funded on the basis of the Heritage Act.
Since 2016 KVB Boekwerk is knowledge and innovation centre for the Dutch book trade, encompassing publishers, booksellers, distributors, and related organizations. It originated through an agreement between the KVB (Royal Dutch Booksellers and Publishers Association), CPNB (Collective Promotion for the Dutch Book), Stichting Lezen, the Dutch Foundation for Literature and the Minister of Education, Culture and Science. The main aim is to combine all the available (market) data, thereby improving the sector’s ability to position itself quantitatively, economically, socially and culturally.
The Netherlands is also an active participant in the annual Frankfurt Book Fair, which is considered an important event for putting Dutch literature on the map internationally.
Dutch policy on literature includes policies on a public library network and National Library (KB) (see chapter 3.2).
The Netherlands has an Act on Fixed Booked Prices (Wet op de Vaste Boekenprijs). A recent evaluation concludes that the aims of the act have been achieved. The Minister has decided to continue the Act (see chapter 4.2.5).
To promote (literary) reading, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) launched the Kunst van Lezen (Art of Reading) program in 2008, which is still in operation. It consists of four components: 1) BoekStart, a method to familiarise very young children with books and reading; (2) the Library at School, aimed at primary, secondary and secondary vocational education, teacher education programs; (3) network development for reading promotion; (4) reading promotion activities for people who are not fluent in Dutch.
Kunst van Lezen was incorporated in 2016 into the Tel mee met Taal (Go Along with Language, 2016–2024) programme, through which the ministries of Education, Culture and Science; Health, Welfare and Sport; Social Affairs and Employment; and the Interior and Kingdom Relations combined their policies in the field of language proficiency.
The Netherlands performs comparatively well internationally when it comes to basic skills (literacy, numeracy, problem-solving skills), ranking in the top five on average scores. Nevertheless, about 3 million Dutch people still struggle with these skills (PIAAC 2023). In her letter to Parliament of 11 July 2025, Strengthening Basic Skills for Adults from 2025, State Secretary Mariëlle Paul outlined the current policy. The main elements are the continuation and structural embedding of the Tel mee met Taal approach, with greater attention to working adults. Libraries also play an important role in strengthening basic skills for adults, while the preventive approach of the Kunst van Lezen program will be continued.
See for press chapter 3.5.3 audiovisual end interactive media and chapter 2.5.3 Media pluralism and content diversity
See for more information: Culture Monitor – literature
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