Information Service

The Information Service offers resources and can provide you with research assistance relating to German culture and language.

Based in the library, we will be happy to help with your query, whether in person, by telephone or e-mail.

If you've got a query about German life in New York, you may find an answer in our FAQs.

Frequently asked questions

Due to space constraints, the Library can no longer accept book donations.

Where can I find out what my German books are worth?

The staff of the Library is not trained in assessing the value of antiquarian German books. Please visit the following website, which also lists contacts to German antiquarian book dealers, to ascertain if you are in possession of a valuable volume: Central Registry of Antiquarian Books

Bücherstube
PO Box 700
Pelion, SC 29123
Toll free: 888-BUECHER (283-2437)
info@buecherstube.com
http://buecherstube.com/
 
Continental Book Company
7000 Broadway #102
Denver, CO 80229
Tel: (303) 289-1761
Fax: (800) 279-1764
tag@continentalbook.com
http://www.continentalbook.com/cbcstore/
 
European Books & Media
6600 Shattuck Avenue
Oakland, CA 94609
Tel: (510) 922-9157
info@europeanbook.com
http://www.europeanbook.com/
 
German Book Center
1317 County Road 56
Mountaindale, NY 12763
Toll free: 845-436-4110
germanbook@msn.com
https://www.abebooks.com/german-book-center-n.a-inc-mountaindale/6700904/sf?clickid=wixWiP1Z02d8yOEzOtUcH35WUkjyOo0J1Q3tX80&cm_mmc=aff-_-ir-_-10078-_-77416&ref=imprad10078&afn_sr=impact
 
International Book Import Service
161 Main Street
PO Box 8188
Lynchburg, TN 37352
Toll free: 800-277-4247
ibis@ibiservice.com
http://www.ibiservice.com/
 

Although the staff of the Goethe-Institut do not perform translations, they are happy to assist you in your translation endeavors. The Goethe-Institut New York Library offers a strong reference collection covering a diverse spectrum of subjects. Furthermore, the Library houses a number of specialty German-English/English-German dictionaries in fields such as art history, music, psychology, medicine, business, science, and technology.

What kind of financial assistance does the Goethe-Institut provide for the translation of books?

For more information including conditions and applications, please visit the Translation Grant Program page.

There are a number of professional organizations whose accredited members specialize in translation. Each organization maintains member directories that can be of assistance in locating a translator in your area. Rates are not set by the professional organizations, but determined by individual translators based on experience and business climate.  

American Translators Association
The American Translators Association (ATA) is the umbrella organization for the translation and interpreting professions. The ATA has a certification program to verify that individual translators meet professional standards. The website offers a searchable Directory of Translation and Interpreting Services as well as a Directory of Language Services Companies.

German Language Division
The German Language Division (GLD) is one of the American Translators Association's divisions devoted to specific languages. The GLD provides information and services relating to translation and interpretation to and from German.

New York Circle of Translators   
The New York Circle of Translators (NYCT) is a chapter of the American Translators Association, whose members work in a variety of languages and specialties in industry, law, finance, commerce, the arts and academia. The NYCT Member Services Directory is searchable by language and by either individual or institutional memberships.

PEN American Center Directory of Translators 
The PEN American Center is the largest of the 141 centers of International PEN, the world's oldest human rights organization and the oldest international literary organization. A free Directory of Working Translators is available via their website.

American Literary Translators Association 
The American Literary Translators Association (ALTA) was founded to provide essential services to literary translators from all languages and create a professional forum for the exchange of ideas on the art and craft of literary translation.

National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators 
The National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the furtherance of the court interpreting and legal translation profession.

Deutsche Welle in the USA
Contact your local satellite or cable provider to learn how to receive Deutsche Welle.

Deutsches Fernsehen
Deutsches Fernsehen is a free online streaming video service that requires an app download for your Mac or Windows computer.

German TV Company
Subscription-based access to German-language programming either on your television or computer.

Most German television networks also offer streaming news and other programming. For example: ARD Mediathek, DW Media Center, Das Erste Mediathek, NDR Mediathek, SWR Mediathek, WDR Mediathek, ZDF Mediathek

Binge Fever!
Television “Made in Germany” is having a golden moment with the rise of international streaming services. In this dossier, we’ll highlight binge-worthy German serials and fill you in on where to watch them in the USA.
 

Contact

This might interest you

Follow us