Overview
- Germany logged about 188 million library visits in 2025, a national high that signals strong public demand for library services.
- Some local libraries report stable or rising use while others show falls in loans and visits, for example Hann. Münden recorded steady visitor numbers but a roughly 5.3% drop in loans and Altkreis Münden saw overall declines between 2024 and 2025.
- The federal coalition committee decided that public libraries may open staffed on Sundays from January 1, 2027, a change the Deutscher Bibliotheksverband welcomes but says needs legal and funding clarity.
- Library leaders warn that staff shortages, limited space and unresolved technical or legal questions could limit how many branches actually add Sunday hours or new amenities such as cafés.
- To meet local needs libraries are expanding child-focused programs, play-based learning materials and popular non-book collections while using digital services like Onleihe to extend reach, a mix that could improve access for working families but will require more resources to scale.