Amerika-Gedenkbibliothek, Berlin

In Berlin, the capital of Germany, there are in fact two big public libraries, both under the title “Zentral- und Landesbibliothek Berlin (ZLB)”. Berliner Stadtbibliothek was during the DDR-period the main library in East Berlin and Amerika-Gedenkbibliothek (American Memorial Library) in West Berlin.  Amerika-Gedenkbibliothek opened in this building 1954. The library is easy to reach by public transport. It has a versatile collection of books, magazines, music and film. There are also an art rental shop and a café. Library Ranking Europe visited this library in 2014 and wrote among other things: “Pleasant atmosphere, but only few areas for group working and to socialize.” Today the library has got much needed extra room in a supplementary provisional annex called Pop Up. In this extension there are several study areas, studios, and an auditorium. This popular library needs still more surface space. Just now there are wishes to move to a even more centrally site and bigger premises. There is a campaign to move to Galerie Lafayette, a department store which will close during the summer 2024. FIVE stars: Excellent