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SLOW PRESS is an independent English-language bookshop at Rijnstraat 74 in the heart of the Rivierenbuurt, Amsterdam Zuid, opening in January 2027. The Rivierenbuurt is full of English speakers and Dutch readers of English, but has no English-language spaces apart from one for toddlers and parents. Founded by Chris Groenveld and Andrew Walker, we offer new and second-hand books in English, coffee and a relaxed atmosphere. We are a neighbourhood English bookstore, and the aim is simple, to nourish the neighbourhood.

What we plan to stock

Our 55 m² space holds up to 3,000 new and gently used books in English, with literature from across the world, including translations, and a curated selection for people learning Dutch. A dedicated area holds second-hand books and affordable pre-loved paperbacks. Expect the unexpected, from out-of-print books to artist zines.

Slow books

We shine a special light on small presses, independent publishers, zines, poetry and writers who may struggle to find contracts with the big publishing houses, alongside the books everyone is already talking about. A book is slow if it took time to make, time to read or time to find its readers. We carefully curate the books and are glad to recommend them, and popular titles can be ordered in.

A place to sit and read

Having worked for six years in bookshops in London and New York, we know how special the combination of bookstore and coffee corner is. We’ll have a small coffee corner serving coffee and tea, all in a room full of books. Our shelves reflect the tastes and values of our neighbourhood, including reviews from our staff and regulars. The space is easy to rearrange for author talks and guided workshops.

Workshops and gatherings

We’ll host a weekly children’s storytime, book clubs, language cafés and creative workshops for all ages and levels of experience, from writing to collage and card making. A writer-in-residence space in the back garden is also planned. Whenever possible, workshops will use sliding-scale pricing so that cost is less of a barrier to participation.

Zines and small presses

Zines, artists’ publications, self-published books and small-press titles are a big part of the plan, for readers looking for a zine shop and for makers looking for a stockist in the Netherlands. Artists, writers, and small presses are welcome to get in touch about book launch events or the stock list at hello@slowpress.nl.

Community, book fairs and book swaps

SLOW PRESS is a welcoming place for English-speaking and international readers, Dutch readers of English, new arrivals and long-time residents. The garden can host outdoor book fairs come spring and summer, and we hope to take part in local markets and organise pop-up stalls and book swaps. We welcome donations of books, furniture and lighting.

Where it is

You’ll find us at Rijnstraat 74 in the Rivierenbuurt, in stadsdeel Zuid, Gemeente Amsterdam, close to the Amstel and a short trip from De Pijp, Amsterdam Oost and Watergraafsmeer. The neighbourhood was built in the 1920s and 1930s as part of Berlage’s Plan Zuid in Amsterdamse School style, with Art Deco touches, and its streets are named after Dutch rivers. It is also a place with deep literary roots, from Anne Frank to Gerard Reve, and we will proudly reflect this rich history.

Nederlands

SLOW PRESS is een onafhankelijke Engelstalige boekwinkel in de Rivierenbuurt in Amsterdam Zuid, met nieuwe en tweedehands boeken in het Engels, koffie en een rustige plek om te lezen. Kunstenaars, zinemakers en kleine uitgevers kunnen contact met ons opnemen over de voorraadlijst. Daarnaast organiseren we boekenclubs, taalcafés, een voorleesuur voor kinderen en creatieve workshops. We openen in januari 2027. We zoeken vrijwilligers en donaties van boeken, meubels en verlichting. Kom met ons lezen.