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Libraries through the ages

Visitors to the Goethe-Institut Mumbai using the library reading room to read German newspapers and magazines in 1973.

Visitors to the Goethe-Institut Mumbai using the library reading room to read German newspapers and magazines in 1973.

Photo: Michael Friedel

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The Goethe-Institut Manila library in 1976: head librarian Anneliese Santos sorts print media.

The Goethe-Institut Manila library in 1976: head librarian Anneliese Santos sorts print media.

Photo: Michael Friedel

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Today, Goethe-Institut libraries are not only more inviting and attractive, like here in Athens; they also offer a whole host of new content and options.

Today, Goethe-Institut libraries are not only more inviting and attractive, like here in Athens; they also offer a whole host of new content and options.

Photo: Thalia Galanopoulou / Goethe-Institut Athen

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Along with a gamebox with video game consoles and VR applications and a hub with workstations in the library gallery, a sound-proofed boothbox with a tablet and CD player is part of the Goethe-Institut Johannesburg’s new equipment.

Along with a gamebox with video game consoles and VR applications and a hub with workstations in the library gallery, a sound-proofed boothbox with a tablet and CD player is part of the Goethe-Institut Johannesburg’s new equipment.

Photo: Miora Rajaonary / Goethe-Institut

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The Sonic Chair gives library patrons at the Goethe-Institut Cairo the opportunity to watch and listen to the multimedia collection in comfort and without headphones – and without bothering other patrons.

The Sonic Chair gives library patrons at the Goethe-Institut Cairo the opportunity to watch and listen to the multimedia collection in comfort and without headphones – and without bothering other patrons.

Photo: Sabry Khaled / Goethe-Institut Kairo

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The Maker Space in the library of the Goethe-Institut Kiev offers space for workshops on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects for children and young people. Patrons can also borrow items from the “Do it Yourself,” “Discover and Experiment,” and “Leisure” collections.

The Maker Space in the library of the Goethe-Institut Kiev offers space for workshops on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects for children and young people. Patrons can also borrow items from the “Do it Yourself,” “Discover and Experiment,” and “Leisure” collections.

Photo: Goethe-Institut Kiew/Alexander Shimbarovsky

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