Boomker books is now a ‘Hofleverancier’
Translated by Thomas Ansell
The Gemeente Groningen has a new Royally-approved shop, with Boomker books in Haren- just to the south of the City of Groningen- given the exclusive title yesterday. The ‘Hofleverancier’ seal shield was unveiled by King’s Commissioner for Groningen René Pas, and Mayor Koen Schuiling. As reported by the GIC.
Boomker books celebrated its 100th birthday in 2019; having been started by Hendrik and Dirkje Boomker on the Rijksstraatweg in Haren. At that time, Hendrik worked as a printer in Groningen, and the pair opened their business on 25 September 1919. In 1922, the Boomkers transformed their house into a shop, adding more floors, a publishing house, and a library in the following years.
The business was passed through the family, with Hendrik and Dirkje’s son Hendrick taking over in 1947. Under their stewardship the bookshop became a meeting place for people in Haren, and expanded to five buildings. Henk Boomker was the last in the family to run the shop until his death in 2006- when the business was partially broken up.
Since 2014 the shop was incorporated as a co-operative, and has been located on the Raadhuisplein in Haren since 2019.
Photo by Jessica Ruscello on Unsplash
