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Library

Our library is a public space for anyone who wants to read, work, listen to music or just take a coffee break in an oasis of calm. Visit us and explore the culture of today's Germany. A colourful place where Europe and the rest of the world come together. 

Discover

Experience

people looking at book shelves © Goethe-Institut London | Photo: Jayne Lloyd

Visit us

Opening Hours Library

Mo–Fr:
10 - 8.30 PM
Sa:
10 - 5 PM
Mon–Thu:
1 - 6.30 PM
"Open Saturday":
Every second Saturday of the month 1 - 5 PM (Next: 14th of February 2026)

Contact

+44 20 75964040

E-Mail

library-london@goethe.de

Address

50 Princes Gate
Exhibition Road
London SW7 2PH
United Kingdom
Library and sculpture Seat#12 © Jayne Lloyd

Search for books or other items in the catalogue

Visit us and become a member

  • Membership, Opening Times etc.

    Visit our Library in London

    Our library is open to the public for free on-site use. Learn more about borrowing terms, membership, opening hours, and our media collection here.

    Bücherregal © Goethe-Institut London | Photo: Jayne Lloyd © Goethe-Institut London | Photo: Jayne Lloyd

  • Simple and online

    Register now for a library membership

    To borrow media, you will need a valid reader's card. You can register online via our website by providing the necessary information. Once you have confirmed your email address, please visit us within seven days with proof of address to complete your enrolment.

     

    two women talking © Goethe-Institut London | Photo: Jayne Lloyd © Goethe-Institut London | Photo: Jayne Lloyd

Our library services

  • Onleihe - Anywhere, anytime, free of charge

    Use our Digital Library

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

    A woman listens to digital media from the Onleihe service and runs past people waiting at the bus stop in the rain. Illustration: Maria Tran Larsen © Goethe-Institut Illustration: Maria Tran Larsen © Goethe-Institut

  • Book Blog

    Literary Tastings

    What are people reading in Germany and Great Britain these days? We bring together the writers people are talking about.

    mehrsprachige Textschnipsel © Goethe-Institut Glasgow © Goethe-Institut Glasgow

  • Practice Makes Perfect

    Improve Your German

    German as a foreign language is a focus point of our collection. Goethe-Institut language students, German teachers and A-level students will find a wide choice of materials on offer.

    Three people at a desk © Goethe-Institut London | Photo Jayne Lloyd © Goethe-Institut London | Photo Jayne Lloyd

  • B2 and C1 Level

    Reading made easy

    For learners of German from language levels B2 and C1 (of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), we recommend the works of contemporary German-language literature in the Onleihe, our free digital library.

    Women in the library © Goethe-Institut London | Photo Jayne Lloyd © Goethe-Institut London | Photo Jayne Lloyd

  • No German? No Problem!

    Discover our English language materials

    Non-German speakers might be surprised to hear that the library has a wide choice of English language materials. From German novels in translation to subtitled films, we hope to cater for your interests. 

    Man standing, reading a book in the Library © Goethe-Institut London | Photo Jayne Lloyd © Goethe-Institut London | Photo Jayne Lloyd

  • Find the Right Balance

    Seat #12

    Experiment with our interactive artwork Seat #12 by Jenny Brockmann.

    People balancing on a floating seat © Goethe-Institut London | Photo: Jayne Lloyd © Goethe-Institut London | Photo: Jayne Lloyd

One particularly helpful resource has been the Easy Readers collection in the library, which is designed to support German learners at various proficiency levels. Having access to these materials has definitely helped me feel more supported in my language learning journey.

Saeon Kim

Share your feedback with us!

Saeon Kim © Saeon Kim

Social Media

Our social media channels provide information on language, culture and Germany.

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Library Spotlight

Recommendations by our library in London

Our February pick

The Book Cover in the Weimar Republic

In this month’s Library Spotlight WE were judging books by their covers! Exploring the designs in The Book Covers of the Weimar Republic and admiring the bold visual language that defined an era of graphic design. Beyond typography, abstraction and culture, these artworks reflect the intellectual and creative spirit of the time. Visitors of our library can discover and admire many more books about design in the Weimar Republic.

Book covers from The Book Cover in The Weimar Republic Book © Jürgen Holstein / GIF © Rosie Fairbrass Book © Jürgen Holstein / GIF © Rosie Fairbrass

Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest news on cultural events and language courses – sign up for our newsletter today!

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Internship in the library

Past Interns share their experience!

Blog: Interns like me

How is a work placement at the Goethe-Institut London? Our former interns talk about their time in our team.

Yun-Han Su © Yun-Han Su © Yun-Han Su

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