Overview
- Coverage on the Day of Libraries, 24 October, stressed that public and scientific libraries drew more than 188 million visits in 2025, underscoring strong national demand.
- The federal Koalitionsausschuss ruled in July that libraries may open on Sundays and public holidays from 1 January 2027, aligning them legally with other cultural venues.
- Cities and towns are planning different responses: Essen opened a renovated €25 million Zentralbibliothek on 24 October while places such as Northeim and Göttingen are testing RFID or unmanned 'open library' models.
- Many libraries are broadening services to attract users by adding gaming zones, maker‑spaces, digital lending through Onleihe and extended event programs, while volunteer-run village libraries keep community offerings alive.
- Local trends diverge sharply: some towns report rising use and high lending figures, others (for example Altkreis Münden) show falling visits and loans, which means Sunday openings will require new funding, staff or tech investment and may change who can use library services.