Intrigued by a library that’s also a scene hotspot? You are standing before the Bezirkszentralbibliothek Philipp Schaeffer. It is no ordinary book repository. This library is one of the city’s most innovative. Let’s dive into its story.
The Bezirkszentralbibliothek Philipp Schaeffer is attractively located near Hackescher Markt. It sits in the heart of the Neue Mitte district. Around a thousand visitors stream daily into its puristically furnished rooms. These spaces have a loft ambiance. They were created in 1996 within the Brunnenhöfen. These are typical Berlin commercial courtyards from the turn of the century.
The Bezirkszentralbibliothek Philipp Schaeffer extends over three courtyards and three floors. Its public area covers 2,200 square meters. A reading garden graces the fourth courtyard.
A special highlight awaits below. The large children’s library resides in the basement. Its unusual architecture and mix of spaciousness create a paradise for children. Numerous nooks offer places to retreat. There are also spaces for reading aloud and lingering. Many events spark a love of reading. Children gain know-how in using various media.
The Bezirkszentralbibliothek Philipp Schaeffer boasts a collection of 145,000 volumes. It has an unusually high proportion of AV media for German libraries at 31.5%. Schwerpunkte include film, music, audiobooks, and English audiobooks. The Bezirkszentralbibliothek Philipp Schaeffer also has a broad range of computer literature and travel guides. A staggering 40,000 media items cater specifically to children. This makes it the largest library in Mitte. The Bezirkszentralbibliothek Philipp Schaeffer provides up-to-date information with around 140 newspapers and magazines. Computer workstations offer free internet access including WLAN. The reading garden rounds out the offerings.
The library has a rich history. It was founded on December 8, 1928. Back then, it was the main library of the Berlin-Mitte Municipal Public Library. In 1951, it was named after Philipp Schaeffer. He was an orientalist, sinologist, and resistance fighter. He worked here from the library’s opening in 1928 until March 1932.
During the Nazi era, the library faced challenges. Undesirable literature was removed. After the war, the library quickly resumed operations. It purged Nazi writings from its collection.
The division of Berlin also affected the library. Many staff members moved to the side that matched their political beliefs. In 1963, the library was reduced in size. But it adapted by switching to open-shelf access.
After reunification, the library systems of East and West Berlin merged. The Bezirkszentralbibliothek Philipp Schaeffer faced potential closure due to space constraints. Thanks to staff efforts, the location was saved.
In 1996, after four years of temporary arrangements, the Bezirkszentralbibliothek Philipp Schaeffer reopened. The architectural firm Abelmann + Vielain integrated the new spaces into the existing steel skeleton structure. The basement was converted into a 500 square meter children’s library.
Today, the Bezirkszentralbibliothek Philipp Schaeffer sees itself as a trendy meeting point. It is one of the city’s most innovative libraries. Its purist rooms and loft ambiance are distinctive. The spacious children’s library in the basement is a major draw.
The Bezirkszentralbibliothek Philipp Schaeffer offers a Makerspace. Here, users can get creative with photos, films, designs, and fashion. Workshops cover drawing, textile printing, and 3D printing.
The Brunnenhof building itself is historically significant. It was built between 1908 and 1909. Its steel skeleton construction allows for flexible use. The Bezirkszentralbibliothek Philipp Schaeffer spans three courtyards and three floors. It offers 2200 square meters of public space. A reading garden sits in the fourth courtyard.
The Bezirkszentralbibliothek Philipp Schaeffer isn’t just a place for books. It’s a vibrant hub for learning, creativity, and community.