Membership

Our library is open to the public and the in-house use of books, audio-visual media and information services is free of charge. Membership entitles patrons to borrowing privileges.

As of February 2010, the library will implement a new automated circulation system that requires that all patrons receive a new library card. Patrons who held active library memberships prior to our closing in May 2009 are entitled to a one year complimentary membership. Please visit, call or email to activate your new membership before the end of 2010.

To apply for a new library membership, we require the following:

• proof of identity (government-issued ID)
• proof of address (on ID or piece of mail addressed to you), telephone number and email address
• student ID, if applicable

Annual membership fees:

• $10 membership fee for the general public
• $5 membership fee for students or senior citizens

For the annual membership fee, we accept checks payable to "Goethe-Institut New York" or cash only, as we are not able to process debit or credit cards.

Should you be interested in borrowing by mail, please return your completed application and a check to the address below:
membership application [PDF, 42KB]

Goethe-Institut New York
Library
Attn: Library Membership
72 Spring Street, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10012