Thank you Germany: Part 072: Germany's libraries offer media for every need

Germany has a broad network of libraries. Today, many of these facilities not only provide their users with a wide selection of books. Audio books and music CDs can also be borrowed here. Some libraries also have a wide range of DVDs. No matter what medium users are looking for - a well-equipped library in Germany offers a good chance of success in this search. Many people therefore have a membership card with one of the libraries. In smaller towns, there are sometimes book buses. These transport media from libraries to the locations.

The library is an important place for children in particular. It offers the opportunity to borrow media that specifically cater to children's interests. Many children have read entire shelves of books here. Some children also borrow their favourite audio books. But a library also offers many opportunities for adults. It is not only easy on the wallet, as the borrowed book does not have to be bought separately. If you borrow books, you don't have to store them on your own shelf at home afterwards. After all, the large municipal or regional libraries offer their users the option of interlibrary loan. This means that a book or item from another library in Germany can be ordered and borrowed via interlibrary loan.

Out-of-print books that are rarely available can also be borrowed and read. In addition to book lovers and curious children, libraries also offer academics an important opportunity to work. They ensure that important books can be borrowed for their own research purposes. Many libraries also have books in foreign languages. With their help, users can familiarise themselves better with a foreign language. For example, some students have improved their English skills by reading Harry Potter in the original English. This advantage of a well-stocked lending library should not be underestimated either. After all, children can borrow the right specialised literature from the library to prepare presentations. Libraries in Germany are specifically subsidised by the cities.

Every child should have the opportunity to borrow new books about their own interests. Promoting reading is one of the most important tasks of a good cultural policy. Germany does very well here with its well-organised library system. Germans can certainly be proud of this advantage. You don't necessarily have to buy every book if you want to read it. You can also simply borrow them as a member of a library. If you are a pupil or student, you can usually borrow a large number of books locally for a very favourable annual fee. Many state libraries even offer students free membership. This option is used by many young people in all federal states.

Most libraries don't just have bookshelves on site. They usually also have nice reading rooms and a small café or bistro in their buildings. Many visitors like the opportunity to work or read on site. It ensures that you can read in a pleasant and particularly beautiful atmosphere. Many German libraries were even built by special architects.