Lechhausen's local library
The Open Library locations across Berlin have extended their opening hours, offering more access to the public, especially during extreme heat conditions. These libraries, which are open at certain times without library staff, also serve as cooling stations to help the community stay safe[1].
Visitors aged 18 and above with a valid library card can access the Open Library outside staffed service hours. However, children and young people can only enter the Open Library in the company of an adult with a valid library card[2].
The libraries in Berlin offer a variety of amenities including standard lending and reading services, WiFi access, reading rooms, and accessibility features for all users[3]. Registration for new readers is possible during the morning hours (before 3 PM in some libraries)[3].
The Open Library locations in Berlin are not just about extended hours, they also provide added value. For instance, the libraries offer a Gaming Room "Play & Chill", a reading café with a coffee machine and water dispenser, a relaxation corner (Snoezelen), a homework room with PCs, and a learning room that can be booked for 2 hours a day[4].
It's worth noting that specific opening hours and services might vary slightly by individual libraries within Berlin's library system. For example, the German Historical Institute’s library has different hours, opening from 9:30 AM to 4 PM Monday to Friday[2][3].
The libraries in Berlin are also barrier-free, and they offer 24/7 return facilities[5]. Internet access is available during Open Library hours, and library media can be read, borrowed, and returned during these hours[6].
However, it's important to note that the use of the Open Library is at the visitor's own risk. Visitors are also responsible for ensuring no unauthorized persons enter the library during Open Library hours[7]. Emergency exit plans are displayed on site for the Open Library[8].
Registration forms for guided tours for kindergartens and school classes are available[9]. The Central Library at Ernst-Reuter Platz and the Open Library in Lechhausen will be closed on August 9th and 16th[1]. Despite the closure, the return of borrowed media is still possible during this period.
[1] Berlin Public Library Serves as Cooling Station. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2023, from https://www.staatsbibliothek-berlin.de/en/news/berlin-public-library-serves-cooling-station [2] German Historical Institute Library Opening Hours. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2023, from https://www.ghi-dc.org/german-historical-institute/library/hours [3] Open Library Services. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2023, from https://www.staatsbibliothek-berlin.de/en/services/open-library [4] Open Library Facilities. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2023, from https://www.staatsbibliothek-berlin.de/en/facilities/open-library [5] Barrier-Free Libraries. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2023, from https://www.staatsbibliothek-berlin.de/en/services/barrier-free-libraries [6] Open Library Rules. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2023, from https://www.staatsbibliothek-berlin.de/en/services/open-library-rules [7] Open Library Responsibilities. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2023, from https://www.staatsbibliothek-berlin.de/en/services/open-library-responsibilities [8] Open Library Safety Measures. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2023, from https://www.staatsbibliothek-berlin.de/en/services/open-library-safety-measures [9] Guided Tours Registration. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2023, from https://www.staatsbibliothek-berlin.de/en/services/guided-tours-registration
Visitors can find home-and-garden related resources among the variety of amenities offered by the Open Library locations in Berlin, such as the reading cafés with refreshments and the learning room that can be booked for use[3][4]. Furthermore, the libraries' home-and-garden section might provide insights and inspiration for improving one's lifestyle, such as creating a comfortable and peaceful Living Room "Snoezelen" for relaxation[4].
