I’ve tried to fight it, but I can’t. Every time I pass the window of De Slegte I must stop and look at the books. Their collection of books consists of second-hand books or new books you can’t find in the regular bookstore anymore. Once or twice a month I go shopping for ‘new’ old books. Their collection of second-hands books is huge.

The cheap ‘new’ books are perfect if you like to give books as a present, but your budget isn’t that big. I’ve bought a lot of presents for my friends here already.

Last year the store was taken over by a Dutch company who wanted to reduce the activity of second-hand books. My world collapsed! Meanwhile it is in Belgian hands again and the stores of De Slegte will continue as before. So I’ll continue shopping as before.