Libraries

The 87 libraries of the Goethe-Institut are public places. They offer an inspiring atmosphere for exchange and encounter. Around 660,000 analogue and digital media convey an up-to-date image of Germany and promote active engagement with language, culture and society.

Goethe-Institut Belgrad - Library Photo: Danilo Andjus

About our work

In many different projects, we work together with partners from civil society, especially from the library, media and information sector. The topics range from artificial intelligence to reading promotion, from environmental protection to cultural heritage.

The libraries are also open spaces for experimentation. They connect Germany and the world through inspiration and innovation.

Insights into the Library Work

South Korea

Shaping AI: Ethics, Power, Responsibility

AI development shapes everyday life, education, and culture—but power, access, and risks remain unevenly distributed. The project “Shaping AI: Ethics, Power, Responsibility” examines the ethical, social, and political dimensions of AI and shows how fairness, transparency, and digital sovereignty can be strengthened in the AI ecosystem.

© Jooyoung Oh © Jooyoung Oh
Egypt

Kreativraum

At the Goethe-Institut in Cairo, there is, in addition to the library, a creative space that serves as a makerspace where visitors are invited to try out new technologies, acquire practical knowledge on digital topics, and let their creativity run free.
Brasil

Data Detox AI

Das Aufkommen neuer virtueller Assistenten und Inhaltsgeneratoren hat dazu geführt, dass künstliche Intelligenz (KI) schnell Teil fast aller Aspekte unseres Lebens geworden ist. Wenn wir die Möglichkeiten der KI erkunden, ist es wichtig, sowohl ihre Vorteile als auch ihre Risiken zu berücksichtigen.
Sub-Saharan Africa

Games Connect Africa

Games Connect Africa is a regional initiative which seeks to build a strong, interconnected, and sustainable gaming ecosystem across the African continent, empowering local talent and fostering collaboration at every level.

© Thabang Taukobong © Thabang Taukobong
France

The Europe Challenge 2025/26

Ein Zusammentreffen zwischen verschiedenen Generationen, Kulturen und Sprachen. Ziel ist es, Verbindungen zu stärken, neue Perspektiven zu eröffnen und gemeinsam Ideen für ein offenes, solidarisches Miteinander zu entwickeln.

Voices about our libraries worldwide

Our libraries are places of encounter, exchange and learning. Here, visitors tell us what the libraries of the Goethe-Institut mean to them.

The Goethe-Institut Library has such a wide range of materials. Not knowing German isn’t a problem at all. I don't know any German, but I love borrowing stuff from the library, especially CDs, graphic novels, and photography books. Of course, what I like the most is being able to take the waffle maker home and then telling everyone there that you can borrow kitchen appliances from the library!"

Wittamon Niwattichaia
Artist (Thailand, Bangkok)

"Of course, what I like the most is being able to take the waffle maker home"

Voices about our libraries worldwide

Our libraries are places of encounter, exchange and learning. Here, visitors tell us what the libraries of the Goethe-Institut mean to them.

"Of course, what I like the most is being able to take the waffle maker home"
Thailand, Bangkok

Wittamon Niwattichai (artist):
"The Goethe-Institut Library has such a wide range of materials. Not knowing German isn’t a problem at all. I don't know any German, but I love borrowing stuff from the library, especially CDs, graphic novels, and photography books. Of course, what I like the most is being able to take the waffle maker home and then telling everyone there that you can borrow kitchen appliances from the library!"

"I always thought I probably wouldn't read a book in a German institute."
Slovakia, Bratislava

Katka (Student):
"I always thought I probably wouldn't read a book in a German institute. So I was all the more surprised and delighted when I found Slovakian translations of German authors. I signed up immediately and now spend a lot of time here. One of my first books was Barbara stirbt nicht by Alina Bronsky. A beautiful and funny read about how you keep learning something all your life..."

I always thought I probably wouldn't read a book in a German institute. So I was all the more surprised and delighted when I found Slovakian translations of German authors. I signed up immediately and now spend a lot of time here. One of my first books was Barbara stirbt nicht by Alina Bronsky. A beautiful and funny read about how you keep learning something all your life...

Katka
Student (Slovakia, Bratislava)