Lending Service

In our library you'll find German-language books, magazines, films, music, and games. A selection of titles in English translation offer those who do not read German the opportunity to inform themselves about literature, culture, society, politics and current events in Germany. Another core area of the collection are materials to learn German as a foreign language.

Public Space © Daniel Albanese

The Goethe-Institut New York Library is one of the few German-language lending libraries in the United States. Our holdings number approximately 6,000 volumes, including books, DVDs, CDs, newspapers and magazines. Roughly 25% of our collection is in English.

Our collection features the following areas of specialization: 
  • contemporary German literature with a special focus on German literature in English translation
  • German art
  • German film
  • German history from the late 19th century to the present
  • German language 

Registration and Library Membership

Our library is open to the public and use of books and media is free of charge. A valid library membership is required for borrowing privileges. While you may register for a library membership online, you must come into the library in person to complete the registration process and pick up your library card.

How to Make the Most of your library membership

Register for a free Goethe-ID at goethe.de/mygoethe: Enter your email and select a password. Be sure to click the link in the confirmation email to complete your registration.

Make note of your Goethe-ID credentials as you will need them to login to:

Online Catalog: Here you can renew physical items you’ve borrowed from the Library.

MeinGoethe: If you'd like to use our free eLibrary, you must first authenticate yourself as a user (click on the blue button under the ‘my eLibrary’ tab). You can also sign up for our newsletters here.

eLibrary (or via Onleihe app): Here you can download eMedia from our eLibrary once you've authenticated yourself in the step above.

Opening Hours

Mo–Th (Service w/SelfCheck Machine): 10:00am–6:00pm
Tu, We, Th (Service w/Librarian): 1:00-5:00pm (or by appointment)

Contact

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