Welcome to this week’s edition of Wassenaar Weekly. Your source for local stories, events, and community news in English, brought to you by Wassenaarders.nl.
What Is Open Library? Video Report from the Library
In a new video report, reporter Lily Armstrong speaks with Nathalie Nuiten of the Public Library Voorschoten–Wassenaar about the concept of Open Library.
Open Library allows visitors to use the library outside regular opening hours, without staff present. The report explains how access works, which facilities are available, and what this flexible model means for both users and the organisation.
The library at Langstraat is one of the locations offering this independent-access system.
Wassenaar Resident Nominated as State Secretary of Finance
Wassenaar resident Nathalie van Berkel (D66) has been nominated as State Secretary of Finance, according to national broadcaster NOS and her party.
Van Berkel (43) has been a Member of Parliament since the elections of 29 October. Previously, she served as a board member of the Dutch Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) from 2019 to 2025 and has held supervisory roles in sectors including culture, housing and public services.
Her appointment is not yet final and will follow formal swearing-in procedures. The new cabinet is expected to be presented by 23 February.
100 Years of Animal Care at Stichting Nationale Dierenzorg
Stichting Nationale Dierenzorg celebrates a remarkable milestone: 100 years of animal welfare.
Founded in 1926, the organisation began in The Hague and later moved to the historic farm Welgelegen in Wassenaar. Over the decades, it expanded to include an animal shelter, boarding facilities, a pet travel service, and in 1976 the launch of the Dierenambulance, still active today.
In 1983, Princess Juliana opened the Seniorenclub, a special residence for elderly dogs and cats. Today, 22 staff members and more than 130 volunteers work on the large site, caring for animals in the shelter, daycare, boarding and ambulance services.
The foundation will celebrate its anniversary throughout the year, with the first major event — its biennial open day — scheduled for Sunday 14 June 2026.
Sea and Maritime History Highlighted at Katwijks Museum
The nearby Katwijks Museum presents two exhibitions focusing on the sea and maritime heritage.
From 1 February to 25 May 2026, the exhibition Passion for the Sea showcases artists’ interpretations of light, movement and the vastness of the ocean — featuring painters such as Mesdag and Gruppé, among others.
Meanwhile, the exhibition Sailing for Freedom highlights the role of the Dutch merchant navy during the Second World War and their contribution to the liberation of Europe and Asia. Since opening in May 2025, it has attracted nearly 20,000 visitors.
A special Freedom Concert will take place on 2 March 2026 in the Nieuwe Kerk, marking 80 years since the end of compulsory wartime service for merchant sailors.
Court Hears Case of Violent Home Robbery
The District Court in The Hague is holding hearings this week in the case concerning a violent home robbery in Wassenaar in July 2024.
A retired jeweller and his wife were tied up and assaulted during the night, and valuables worth an estimated €2 million were stolen. The victims remain traumatised.
Three suspects from Veenendaal, Amstelveen and Ede deny involvement. Prosecutors cite phone data, camera footage and other circumstantial evidence, while the defence argues that there is insufficient proof, including no DNA evidence. The court will determine whether the evidence supports conviction.
Code Yellow Issued for Snow and Slippery Roads
The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) has issued a Code Yellow warning for South Holland due to expected snowfall.
From late afternoon, snow is forecast to spread across the region, potentially leading to 2–5 cm of snow and slippery road conditions. Motorists are advised to exercise caution, especially during the evening commute.
Conditions are expected to improve gradually overnight as temperatures rise and precipitation turns to rain or wet snow.
Stay Connected with Wassenaarders.nl
Want more local stories, interviews and video reports?
- ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/wassenaarders – episodes of “Praat-je Wassenaars?!” and other video features
- 📘 Facebook – news updates, photo reports and community stories
- 📸 Instagram – images, short videos and behind-the-scenes moments
Follow us, subscribe, and stay informed about everything happening in Wassenaar!
