No doubt you have strolled past it before: Godert Walter. Yet chances are that you do not yet know the history of this bookshop in Oude Ebbingestraat. We would like to tell you about Godert himself, the shop and the newly opened Water's Bookshop in the Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat. A story about a brave man who caused a literary revolution in Groningen.
80 years a household name in the city
Since 1935, Oude Ebbingestraat has been home to a characteristic bookshop, once established as a 'general bookshop', as it was written in Old Dutch. In 1941, the business was taken over by Godert Walter, who named the bookshop after himself. Agnes van Gelder joined him a year later and it was love at first sight right away. The book lovers married just two months later and had two sons. Unfortunately, happiness was not to last long. During World War II, Godert Walter sold resistance books. In 1944, this brought him to a tragic end at the age of 33, when he was executed in his home in Haren. Although the bookshop has had several owners since then, in honour of his bravery the shop has always kept the name Godert Walter.
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Currently, Erwin de Vries and Allard Steenbergen manage the business. The two know each other from the football club and have been a good team ever since. Today, you can visit the shop for English-, French-, German- and, of course, Dutch-language books. You'll find a wide range of literature, philosophy, history, social sciences, nature and science, architecture, design and Groningana. The latter theme is our favourite. These Groningana books tell you about important Groningers, the language spoken here, the history that took place here and many more topics to be proud of. The staff are very knowledgeable about the selection and are happy to help you find the perfect book to read for yourself or give as a gift. Weather permitting, it is also lovely to find a spot in Godert Walter's garden. A hidden haven with a well-stocked bookcase for the bookworms among us. Feel free to have a cup of coffee and spend your afternoon here. Have a chat or enjoy the words on paper in silence.
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Books for all townspeople
From the city and the surrounding area, people have always known how to find the bookshop in Oude Ebbingestraat. Now that Groningen is becoming increasingly international, the demand for books is also changing. Over a year ago, Walter's Bookshop opened in the Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat especially for the new generation of city dwellers. A meeting place for lovers of literature with a wide collection of English-language books on literature, poetry, design, science, nature and history. Not only books, but also postcards, posters and other gadgets can be scored here. You will also find Walter's Showcase; a special spot in the shop where artworks by local artists are exhibited. Activities are regularly organised in the shop. Think meetings with writers, a silent book club and artist performances. So it's definitely a good idea to check out Walter's calendar.
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