Library

In our library you'll find the only collection of its kind in the US, offering German-language books and media that inform about current trends and contemporary themes from Germany.

What we offer

Lending Service

Our library is open to the public and the in-house use of books and media are free of charge. Membership is required for borrowing privileges. Library members may register for a personalized account in order to renew borrowed media via the Online Catalog.

eLibrary

The eLibrary is the free, virtual library of the Goethe-Institut. Once you've registered, this service allows you to borrow digital media -- such as ebooks, audio and video files, and electronic newspapers and magazines -- for a predetermined period of time, by downloading them either directly onto your device or via app.

Activities in the Library

German Consultation for language course students in the Library

Wednesdays from 5:00 - 6:00pm

Missed a class? Need help with your homework? Schedule consultation time with one of our teachers! Our German consultation for language course students is on demand, so please register in advance via an email to germancourses-newyork@goethe.de.

Conversation Hour for language course students in the Library

Tuesdays from 5:00 - 6:00pm

You love talking in class, but want to have more opportunities to do so? Join our new conversation session. One of our teachers will be there to help you through everyday conversations with other students. Not a student of the Goethe-Institut? You can still join for $10 per session. Please register in advance via an email to germancourses-newyork@goethe.de.

German Book Club

Monthly on a Tuesday night at 6:00pm

Our German Book Club discusses contemporary works of German literature. The group is open to anyone who loves to read and discuss books in German. We especially welcome non-native speakers to take the opportunity to maintain and improve their German language skills. Please consult our events calendar for exact dates.

Board Game Night

Monthly on a Friday night at 6:30pm

Over the last decade, German style board games have revolutionized the gaming world. The coveted “Spiel des Jahres” award, awarded annually by a German-speaking jury, has produced such hits as Settlers of Catan. Join us for an evening of fun and friendly competition as we play modern tabletop classics. Please consult our events calendar for exact dates.

Service

Information Service

We're here to answer your questions relating to German language and culture.

Translation Grant Program

The Goethe-Institut’s translation grant program supports non-German publishers in publishing German-language literature, with the aim of making works accessible to non-German speaking readers.

Other Offerings

Current Writing in German

What's new in the German literary scene? Here we'll keep you informed about current events, authors to discover, new publications and translations into English.

Celebrating German film

We’ve partnered with Kanopy to strengthen German-American friendship with a collection of acclaimed German films, entirely free to watch!