19 Dec

19:00

Centrale Bibliotheek

Spui 68, The Hague

In Dutch. Celebrate the return of the light with an evening full of poetry, stories, music, and performances during the winter solstice.

The Longest Night

More info & tickets

What is The Longest Night?

For the third year in a row, the Central Library invites poets, writers, storytellers, and musical artists to search together for words and sounds that leave a sparkle in the night. We shine a light on stories that offer comfort and hope. Traditionally, the longest night celebrates the gradual lengthening of the days. A celebration of light in the darkest time of the year. An evening to come together, reflect, recharge, and look forward.

Program Highlights

Listen to a conversation with writer Teddy Tops during the Book Club XL – feminist library edition.
Travel through different cultures and experience midwinter in storytelling and music at the MULATU Listening bar.
Listen to poetry about being queer in the night at Queer Notes with James Yuca, Hasan Gök, and Vlinder Verouden.
Turn good intentions into words, design, and print your own poster at Print Night Out.
Find out what the future holds with an Oliebol (Dutch doughnut) reading from Wildcard.
Receive custom comfort in the form of a poem on prescription at the Poetry Pharmacy.

More About the Program

The Longest Night in Different Cultures

Join a midwinter journey through different cultures during the listening session of MULATU Listening bar in collaboration with philosopher, science historian, and music curator Marieke McKenna. Together, we explore something universal that connects us worldwide: the longest night of the year, also known as the winter solstice. Marieke combines her DJ skills with storytelling and tales from the history of cosmology. Especially for this evening, she has prepared a special performance where music and stories from different cultures come together; think of Scandinavian, Germanic, Celtic, Arabic, and Persian perspectives.

Book Club XL: Feminist Stories

What can we learn from the stories of the past, and what new stories can we create ourselves? Listen to a conversation with writer and programmer Teddy Tops during the Book Club XL – feminist library edition. In her debut novel 'Egelskop,' she rewrites the history of her grandmothers and explores alternative storylines. Following the conversation, Halima Ikane will perform her work.

Queer Notes Poetry: Queer in the Night

During Queer Notes Poetry, three spoken word artists will take you into their world, reflecting on the question: What does it mean to be queer in the night? The performing poets are James Yuca, Hasan Gök, and Vlinder Verouden. Expect three stories that each look at – and give meaning to – the night in a unique way.

Poster Workshop

Feel like getting your hands dirty? Make your own poster at Print Night Out. Use your own creativity, language, and drawing skills to turn good intentions into a poster. You design it yourself and get to take the printed poster home. Of course, you can also give it as a gift to someone who deserves your artwork.

Oliebol Reading

Curious about what the new year has in store for you? Have your future predicted by – yes – an oliebol. It may sound unusual, but don't be mistaken: it's a serious matter. An experienced fortune teller from Wildcard will shed light on your unique oliebol.

Poetry Pharmacy

Are you troubled, overflowing with joy, have a question, or are you sad? Visit the Poetry Pharmacy for a doctor's appointment. Tell your story and receive a poem on prescription.