Foreign nationals will be offered books in their native language.
For many residents of Germany, libraries are an oasis of calm and quiet, where freelancers can work without interruptions, as well as a refuge for parents seeking a safe and enriching environment for their children.
However, many newcomers do not immediately realize that German libraries offer much more than just shelves of books. In recent years, they have significantly expanded their range of services, transforming into modern community centers with access to digital technologies, events, and workshops. A wide selection of everyday items can also be borrowed from the library.
Of course, not every library offers the full range of services described below. Smaller libraries may primarily focus on books and media materials, but one of the main advantages of the German system is that membership in a local library often extends access to the entire regional network.
This is true, for example, in Berlin, where one card allows you to borrow books — and more — from public libraries throughout the city (through the VÖBB network).
Books in Foreign Languages
Those who prefer to read in their native language will be pleased to know that many public and university libraries in Germany have books in foreign languages.
Large city libraries usually have a good selection of books — from contemporary fiction to popular science and children's books. University libraries also tend to have extensive collections in English and often provide part of their holdings in open access after registration.
Prints and Paintings
For those tired of looking at the same paintings, it may be interesting to know that some libraries in Germany offer a service for borrowing works of art to take home.
This includes original paintings and prints that can be borrowed for several weeks or even months. Such collections, sometimes referred to as "Artotheks," are particularly common in large cities, including Berlin (American Library), Hamburg, and Munich.
Borrowing works of art usually happens in the same way as borrowing books: after obtaining a library card, you can select a piece from the catalog, check it out at the registration desk, and take it home. Some libraries even provide protective boxes for transporting artworks.
CDs, DVDs, and Games
Most libraries offer the option to borrow CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, and video games. This is one of the most common services across the country and can be found in many small and medium-sized towns, as well as in large city libraries.
Typically, the borrowing period for media materials is about 30 days, and most libraries allow you to extend the borrowing period online, unless another user has reserved the material.
Tools and Musical Instruments
An increasing number of German libraries adhere to the motto "borrow, don’t buy" and offer what is sometimes called a "library of things."
Depending on the location, this can include tools such as drills or pressure washers, everyday items like chargers and headphones, sports equipment, or even gaming consoles.
For example, the state library in Bremen currently lends everything from umbrellas and Nintendo Switches to ice cream makers, sewing machines, and mechanical window cleaners.
Some libraries also allow you to borrow musical instruments, making it easy to try out a new hobby without investing in expensive equipment. As always, availability depends on the location, so it’s worth checking your local library’s online catalog to see what is offered.
E-books and Digital Media
Today, e-lending has become an integral part of the services offered by German libraries, and for many foreign nationals, it is one of the most convenient ways to access books in English.
Most public libraries offer thousands of e-books and e-audiobooks, as well as movies, music streaming, and online learning platforms.
Access to these services is usually provided through specialized library apps, such as Libby, or through established digital platforms like Onleihe.
Many of these apps also offer English-language magazines and newspapers.
The process is simple: you download the desired app from the app store, log in using your library card number and password, and immediately gain access to the digital catalog.
Once you borrow an item, the borrowing period expires on the return date — this means there is no risk of late fees and no need to return anything in person.
To use these services, a smartphone, tablet, or computer is generally required. Many apps also allow reading on e-readers, but with one important caveat: most Amazon Kindle devices do not work with German library systems.
How Foreign Nationals Can Become Clients of a Local Library
In Germany, signing up for a library is usually straightforward. Just head to the nearest branch with your passport or national ID, as well as proof of your local address, such as a registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung). Non-EU citizens may also be required to present a residence permit.
The fee varies, but it typically ranges from 10 to 20 euros per year for adults, while groups such as students, children, or refugees often pay a reduced fee or nothing at all.
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