Libraries

The 93 libraries of the Goethe-Institut are public places. They offer an inspiring atmosphere for exchange and encounter. Around 800,000 analogue and digital media convey an up-to-date image of Germany and promote active engagement with language, culture and society.

Goethe-Institut Athens - Library Poto: Thalia Galanopoulou

Inform. Research. Discover.

Inform. Research. Discover.

Onleihe

The Onleihe is the free digital library (eLibrary) of the Goethe-Institut. About 20,000 German language eBooks, audio books, movies, materials for German language learners, magazines and newspapers are available for downloading from the Onleihe. 

Open Access Publications

With our Open Access search you can find freely accessible scientific online publications in various languages. You have access to about 3 million licence-free publications from the General Index of All German Academic Libraries.

Cherrypicker

Our literature blog “Cherrypicker” presents selected novels and non-fiction, graphic novels and stories, audio books and literature for children and teenagers. Discover new recommendations, remarkable texts, images and opinions.

Voices about our libraries worldwide

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

I’ve recorded my stories and short plays for the stage in this studio. The quality of the recordings was excellent and they were broadcast on various radio stations. I recommend people use this studio.

The library at the Goethe-Institut Georgia is my favourite place. I enjoy it’s pleasant and positive atmosphere. It’s a place where I can expand my knowledge and meet new people, which makes me more motivated. Every time I go to the library, I broaden my view of the world.

For me, this place means education, cultural diversity and plans for the future. Because when I’m there, I make use of a wide range of learning materials, language courses and resources, which I find especially valuable and useful for my language skills. The library at the Goethe-Institut Georgia allows me to be open-minded to new ideas and it encourages me to discover and develop my talent every day.
 

I would like to say a big thank-you to the Goethe-Institut in Tel Aviv. My mother was in the Sourasky Medical Centre next door, and in a situation that wasn’t easy, the library provided her with material in German. That gave comfort and a little piece of home to an elderly, sick woman. And she especially appreciated the stimulating conversation. It was also comforting for us children far away in Europe who weren’t able to fly to Israel from one day to the next. This was a real blessing.”
I live in Budapest myself and benefit enormously from the cultural programmes offered by the Goethe-Institut here. It’s interesting for me to see what stimulating topics and cultural programmes the Goethe-Institut offers in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
 

There are millions of ways you can lose yourself on the internet, but nothing compares with a physical place where you can access a vast universe of publications, either alone or with people who work there. I’d say it’s like going to a tailor’s, where a tailor-made suit is made according to your requirements. You always find something important and new, which makes you want to come back again and again.
 

Thank you so much for allowing us such extensive use of our beautiful library during the summer camps. This was really a fantastic bonus for the kids!
They really enjoyed their time in the library! After a more physically energetic lunch break in the courtyard, the smaller children were able to find peace and quiet as well as enjoying stimulating literature. The slightly older children busily researched, read, asked interesting questions, looked for treasures, and of course, relaxed!
 

Insights into the Library Work

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.

Cooperation partners

Follow us