On Saturday 24 October, three libraries in Chemnitz are inviting members of the public to take a look behind the scenes. To mark Germany-wide Library Day, Chemnitz City Library, the Library of the Chemnitz Art Collections and the University Library of Chemnitz University of Technology are offering guided tours, exclusive insights and creative hands-on activities that showcase the diversity of Chemnitz’s library scene. How are media items processed and shelved? What treasures are hidden within the collections? Participants can look forward to finding answers to these questions.
All events are free of charge.
Three libraries in Chemnitz offer a glimpse behind the scenes
Libraries Day on 24 October: Guided tours and activities
Chemnitz City Library invites you to the Central Library at TIETZ, 20 Moritzstraße, from 2 pm to 5 pm. Visitors can learn more about day-to-day library operations by taking a look at the reshelving room and the technical book processing workstation. Selected treasures from the library’s historical collection will also be on display. A library quiz offers visitors the chance to test their knowledge of the library.
There will also be plenty of opportunities to try things out and get involved: in the audio studio, guests can record a mini radio play, use the 3D printer to create small objects, or design DIY projects for book lovers. The programme includes TBR jars (jars for collecting personal reading recommendations) and magic wand bookmarks. Furthermore, the City Library will provide information about its digital services, including e-books, films and magazines. The Friends’ Association will present its work and opportunities for voluntary involvement. The FaBi mobile library will also be on display in the square in front of the TIETZ.
For children, the city library’s reading mentors will be reading out exciting library stories at 3 pm and 4 pm as part of ‘Auf leisen Sohlen extra’. Coffee and cake, as well as the chance to chat, will round off the afternoon.
The University Library of Chemnitz University of Technology, at Straße der Nationen 33, offers guided tours of its premises at 10 am and 12 noon. During the tours, participants will learn interesting facts about the history of the building and how the library works. The meeting point is in the foyer on the ground floor of the University Library.
The library of the Chemnitz Art Collections and the Carlfriedrich Claus Archive, at Theaterplatz 1, invites visitors to join discovery tours at 11.00 am and 1.00 pm, entitled ‘Between Shelves and Rarities’. Visitors will get to know the library from a new perspective, discover hidden areas and learn fascinating background information about the history, day-to-day work and special treasures of the collections. The meeting point for each tour is in the foyer of the Chemnitz Art Collections. Group sizes are limited to a maximum of ten people per tour.
Background
The German Library Association’s action day highlights the diversity of the library landscape. It demonstrates that libraries are far more than just places to borrow books: they preserve valuable collections, impart knowledge, open up digital and creative opportunities, and invite people to explore and connect.