Regardless of the major cities I have visited or lived in, I have often explored municipal libraries that are a haven of peace for me. It's hot, there are books, magazines, Internet and amenities. Berlin is no exception. Libraries are numerous and distributed throughout the Capital's neighbourhoods. Access is free of charge, but to borrow it requires a membership card valid in all libraries (approximately 10 euros per year). Don't forget your identity card and Anmeldung when you register. The libraries are rather modern, the borrowing and return of books are managed by machines. This includes books in English, French and other languages as well as films. Here are 5 Berlin libraries that I particularly liked by their atypical architecture.
1. the modern library
Built between 2008 and 2010 the library stands out in the middle of the Frankfurter Allee. Its modern façade has nothing to do with the surrounding Soviet architecture. In the airy and bright entrance hall, a large bay window overlooks a large lawn with sun loungers in summer. Another special feature is the Café Oscars Leselounge, also on the ground floor. You can consult a wide collection of magazines free of charge while enjoying the dish of the day, a coffee or a fresh sandwich.
2. 60's Library
This library was built in 1957 on the occasion of the International Exhibition of Architecture (IBA 57) in Hansaviertel. This area was totally destroyed by the bombardments and became a playground for architects and urban planners who had to rethink the modern city and its layout. . Organized around a square inner garden and protected by a pergola, the library presents puzzling glass games. We no longer know if we are inside or outside. In fine weather the atrium is open and you can read in the garden by a pond of water. This flat building was designed by Werner Düttmann, the architect of the Academy of Arts.
- 19th century library
The district of Gesundbrunnen was known for its baths. At the place where the library is currently located, a seaside resort, the Luisenbad, was created in the 19th century. Closed in 1882 the place was transformed into a restaurant, biergarten and party hall. On the front of the library is the inscription Kafé Küche, which bears witness to the presence of a café in the past. The walk in the inner courtyard that contains the library is a time-travel variable, something rather rare in Berlin. You can continue the escape by following the Panke.
- The water library
Far away, far away, in a suburban area of Berlin where few venture, a completely modern library emerges on the edge of an artificial body of water. Tegel is not only an airport, it is also a village on the shores of a beautiful lake. A village that continues to develop through construction sites and luxury housing for the elderly. They are the ones who frequent this library with its vaulted ceiling like a cathedral and the large canvases stretched out on huge walls. Built in 1989, it is also the result of an international exhibition of architecture.
- The neo-Gothic library
The library is housed in one of the wings of Charlottenburg City Hall. The building, built between 1899 and 1905, is characterized by its ornamental facade and 89-metre high tower. You have to push the heavy door and pass through an impressive hall to reach the most modern library. It feels like a cellar full of books that will appeal to all the library rats.
- the student library
The Grimm Zentrum Universitätsbibliothek HU Berlin opened in 2009 has an impressive architecture. From the S-Bahn one can already glimpse this building which seems to consist of thousands of rooms, such as hundreds of bookshelves of a library. But inside it is an open architecture. The work rooms are in the centre of the building and offer a panoramic view that makes you dizzy. Please note that access is restricted to students and members of the library. To discover the insides of the building, come with your favourite student friend or take part in a guided tour!
