Bücherhalle Altona

In the location's words:

With over three million visitors a year, the Bücherhallen Hamburg is Hamburg's most popular cultural institution and also the largest municipal library system in Germany.

32 libraries in all parts of the city, two book buses and the central library near the main railway station with an integrated children's and youth library offer a comprehensive, constantly updated range of media tailored to the needs of different guests of all ages and interests.

As a modern metropolitan library, the Bücherhallen have more than 1.7 million items in over 30 languages: from books, magazines and films to games, Tonies and board games. E-books and audio books in various languages are also available to customers, who can also stream films and music, research in databases or acquire new knowledge in e-learning courses. Items such as robots, hula hoops, tools and sewing machines can be borrowed from the Library of Things.

The book halls offer attractive rooms to spend time in and free Wi-Fi. Separate group rooms are suitable for study or discussion groups and make the book halls a central cultural meeting point in the respective districts.

People of legal age can open the door themselves with their valid book hall card in currently 26 district libraries, even if there is no staff on site. In some libraries, this is even possible on Sundays and public holidays from 7 am to 10 pm. During FlexiBib hours, all self-service services can be used.

With around 16,000 events a year, the Bücherhallen appeal to people of all backgrounds, interests and ages. Readings, lectures, discussions and exhibitions take place regularly. Around 600 volunteers work for the Bücherhallen Hamburg and organize, for example, discussion groups for immigrants, a media delivery service for people with limited mobility or reading training, an individual reading promotion for children.