Could you imagine a library where the stories are not read with eyes but felt with fingertips or heard through ears? That’s the essence of the Stiftung Centralbibliothek für Blinde. This special library in Hamburg caters to blind and visually impaired individuals. It provides them with access to knowledge and literature.
The Stiftung Centralbibliothek für Blinde has a rich history. It all began in 1905 when the Blindenbücherei was founded. Later in 1983, the private foundation Stiftung Centralbibliothek für Blinde emerged. This was followed by the establishment of the Norddeutsche Blindenhörbücherei. The Norddeutsche Blindenhörbücherei is a non-profit association in 1958. This association was founded by the Bund der Kriegsblinden Deutschlands. It was also supported by the North German associations within the German Association for the Blind. Stiftung and Verein work together to provide barrier-free access to knowledge.
For many years, the Stiftung Centralbibliothek für Blinde has been dedicatedly serving its users. It has fulfilled their literary desires with passion. However, this chapter is coming to an end. The library has been undergoing restructuring for some time. Sadly, its lending service ceased on June 30, 2024. It will be officially closed on September 30, 2024.
The building on Georgsplatz in Hamburg will remain only until September 30, 2024. But there is hope. The library will be transformed into a grant-making foundation. It will continue to support people with blindness or visual impairment. The users have already been informed about this change.
Although the Stiftung Centralbibliothek für Blinde is closing there are other options. The Deutsche Blindenstudienanstalt e.V. Emil-Krückmann-Bücherei in Marburg is available. Also the Deutsche Katholische Bücherei für barrierefreies Lesen gGmbH in Bonn provides services. Another option is the Deutsches Zentrum für barrierefreies Lesen in Leipzig.
For those interested in audio books the Norddeutsche Hörbücherei e.V. remains. It continues to offer its services to blind, visually impaired and print-disabled individuals.
The origins of the Stiftung Centralbibliothek für Blinde are rooted in the initiative of Hamburg citizens. Their dedication and the help of many volunteers made it possible. They used special Braille typewriters to transcribe books into Braille. During World War I, part of the collection was destroyed. However, after World War II, a steady rebuilding of the collection began. Ultimately the Centralbibliothek für Blinde was a foundation. It received grants from the Hanseatic City of Hamburg.
As we stand here let’s remember the Stiftung Centralbibliothek für Blinde. It was more than just a library. It was a beacon of knowledge, a source of comfort and a testament to the power of inclusivity. Its legacy will live on through the countless lives it touched and the foundations it laid for a more accessible world.