Zentralbibliothek, Dresden

Dresden is a city of half a million inhabitants. The city centre is imbossed by reconstructed historical buildings and buildings constructed during the DDR-period (1949-1990). Zentralbibliothek Dresden (Dresden Central Library) is situated in one of these, a landmark building, Kulturpalast (Palace of Culture) from 1969. The site at Altmarkt (Old Square) is very central and easy to reach. After the complete modernization of the building 2017 it is now containing primarily  Dresdner Philharmonic and the library, two activities in a quite unusual but interesting combination. There is also a cabaret theatre. The library premises are spacious, and the collections of books, music and film are of high quality. There are different kind of areas for study and to be social.  And the café is pleasant. The services include some unusual details like “Plaudersofas” (“Chatting Sofas”), “Bibliothek der Dinge” (The Library of Things) and “The Seed Library” where you can give and take seeds. FIVE stars: Excellent