Wetteraukreis Invests in Literacy and Expands Access to Educational Materials

Friedberg, Germany – For over three decades, the Bibliothekszentrum Klosterbau in Friedberg has been a cornerstone of literacy in the Wetterau region, providing smaller libraries and school libraries with the resources they need to thrive.On March 19, 2025, local officials celebrated the latest expansion of this vital program, highlighting its impact on the community and its potential as a model for similar initiatives in the United States.

The program’s success is fueled, in part, by a €3,000 grant from the Wetteraukreis. Landrat Jan Weckler and Friedberg Mayor Kjetil Dahlhaus met with library director Birgit Bergmann and deputy director Stephanie Roser to officially launch the new media boxes, underscoring the region’s commitment to education and lifelong learning.

these funds are strategically invested in acquiring media that are highly sought after by local libraries, ensuring that the resources are relevant and engaging for patrons of all ages.

Nearly 150 Media Boxes Now Available

Seven new media boxes have been curated and are now ready for circulation. These include a collection of current audiobooks for adults, a selection of children’s books for first-graders aligned with the Antolin reading program, and a themed box focusing on “Other Countries” designed for elementary school students. The “Tonies” boxes, featuring small figures that play audiobooks on a corresponding device, are also back by popular demand. These have been described as “the hit in the children’s room.”

in addition, two wooden Kamishibai theaters have been added. These customary Japanese picture card theaters are increasingly recognized for their role in promoting literacy, offering a unique and engaging way to tell stories to groups of children, similar to a picture book cinema.

Recognizing the importance of digital literacy, the new media boxes also include twelve Edurino figures. These figures, used with an app and tablet, unlock various learning environments for preschool and elementary school children and are developed by educators.

This initiative reflects a broader trend in education towards incorporating technology and interactive learning tools to enhance engagement and cater to diverse learning styles. The Edurino figures, such as, provide a hands-on, gamified approach to learning that can be especially effective for young children.

the program’s focus on digital literacy aligns with national trends in the U.S., where libraries are increasingly offering digital resources and training to bridge the digital divide and equip patrons with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.

Consider the Brooklyn Public Library’s “BKLYN Reach” program, which provides free digital literacy training to seniors and other adults. Or the Chicago Public Library’s “Maker Lab,” which offers access to 3D printers,laser cutters,and other digital fabrication tools. these initiatives, like the Friedberg library system’s media boxes, demonstrate the vital role that libraries play in fostering digital inclusion and promoting lifelong learning.

Landrat Jan Weckler emphasized the importance of reading, stating, “Reading is a key competence for the school and professional success of our children. With the grant, the Wetteraukreis has been contributing to reading promotion in the region for 30 years and supports the vital work of the city and municipal libraries.”

Friedberg Mayor Kjetil Dahlhaus added, “The Bibliothekszentrum Klosterbau is a central educational institution of the city of Friedberg, whose work extends far beyond the city limits.” He also expressed his gratitude to the staff for their dedication in selecting and assembling the boxes.

The library system now boasts nearly 150 media boxes, including approximately 60 themed boxes for teachers. All boxes are searchable via the library center’s online catalog.

Birgit Bergmann and Stephanie Roser report that demand for the book boxes remains consistently high. “Thanks to the funding, we can continuously expand our offerings and provide current media. This notably benefits children and young people,” they said.

Implications for U.S. libraries

The Friedberg library system’s media box program offers several valuable lessons for libraries in the United States. First,it demonstrates the power of collaboration between local government and libraries to support literacy and education. Second, it highlights the importance of providing flexible and adaptable resources that meet the evolving needs of patrons. Third,it showcases the potential of themed media boxes to engage readers and promote specific learning goals.

Many U.S. libraries already offer similar services,such as bookmobile programs and outreach initiatives to schools and community centers.Tho, the Friedberg model provides a structured and enduring approach to resource sharing that could be replicated in other communities.

For example, a library system in rural Montana could create themed media boxes focusing on topics such as agriculture, Native American history, or

Friedberg Library System’s Media Boxes: A Blueprint for U.S. libraries?

Headline: Friedberg’s Innovative Media Boxes: Could This German Initiative Revolutionize U.S. Libraries?

Editor: Welcome, Dr. Emily Carter, a leading expert in library science and educational resource management. The recent news from Friedberg, Germany, about their media box program, has sparked curiosity in the U.S. library community. What’s the buzz all about?

Expert: Thank you for having me. The Friedberg Library System’s initiative is indeed generating a lot of excitement as it offers a fresh approach to resource sharing, and it’s a model that U.S. libraries can adapt to address local challenges and engage their communities.

Editor: Could you walk us through the core components of this program?

Expert: Certainly. The Bibliothekszentrum Klosterbau in Friedberg, supported by the Wetteraukreis, has created a system of curated media boxes aimed at providing smaller libraries and schools with readily accessible and engaging resources. These themed boxes, funded in part by a recent €3,000 grant, include a wide array of materials.

Editor: What types of media are included within the media boxes?

Expert: The media boxes encompass a diverse range of materials wich includes:


Audiobooks: collections of current audiobooks for adults.


Children’s Books: Books aligned with the Antolin reading program for first-graders.


Themed Boxes: Boxes designed for elementary school students focusing on topics like “Other countries”.


“Tonies” Boxes: Featuring small figures that play audiobooks on a corresponding device,highly popular with children.


Kamishibai Theaters: wooden theaters used for story-telling for children for literacy promotion.

Digital Resources: Edurino figures to enhance digital learning through interactive apps.

Editor: It truly seems like a very thoughtful approach to making materials accessible. What are the major benefits of this initiative?

Expert: Key benefits include:

Increased Accessibility: Smaller libraries and schools gain access to a wider range of materials.


Community Engagement: the themes and curated content promote the interests of library patrons of all ages.


Cost-Effectiveness: the shared resource model maximizes the impact of funding.

Editor: The Friedberg model emphasized the importance of reading for educational success. How does this connect with the state of U.S. libraries?

Collaboration: The partnership between local government and libraries to support literacy is essential.


Adaptability: providing adaptable resources that meet the changing needs of patrons is key.


themed Boxes: the potential to use these boxes to engage readers, promote learning, and make it accessible for all readers.

Editor: It truly seems that the Friedberg system’s initiative provides a structured and sustainable method of providing resources to enhance U.S. library systems. Dr. carter, thank you for providing this insightful information.

Expert: My pleasure.

Editor: What do you think of the Friedberg library system’s media box initiative? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Wetteraukreis Boosts Literacy with Innovative Media Box Program

friedberg, Germany – the Bibliothekszentrum Klosterbau, a vital resource hub in Friedberg, has been supporting smaller libraries and school libraries in the Wetterau region for over three decades. On March 19, 2025, local leaders celebrated the expansion of this program, recognizing its important impact and potential as a model for similar initiatives in the United States, where libraries are constantly seeking innovative ways to serve their communities.

A €3,000 grant from the Wetteraukreis fueled the program’s recent growth. Landrat Jan Weckler and Friedberg Mayor Kjetil Dahlhaus joined library director Birgit Bergmann and deputy director Stephanie Roser to inaugurate the new media boxes, emphasizing the region’s dedication to lifelong learning and educational equity. “Reading is a key competence for the school and professional success of our children,” stated Weckler, highlighting the importance of the investment.

The funds are strategically used to acquire high-demand media, ensuring that local libraries receive resources that are both relevant and engaging for patrons of all ages. This targeted approach maximizes the impact of the grant and ensures that the program meets the specific needs of the community.

Nearly 150 Media Boxes Offer Diverse Learning Opportunities

Seven new media boxes are now available for circulation,adding to the library system’s already impressive collection. These boxes include current audiobooks for adults, children’s books aligned with the Antolin reading program for first-graders, and a themed box on “Other Countries” for elementary school students. The popular “Tonies” boxes, featuring interactive audiobook figures, have also been restocked. These have been described as “the hit in the children’s room,” demonstrating their appeal to young readers.

the addition of two wooden Kamishibai theaters further enhances the program’s offerings. These customary Japanese picture card theaters are gaining recognition for their effectiveness in promoting literacy, providing a unique and engaging storytelling experience for groups of children, much like a picture book cinema. This approach aligns with efforts in U.S. libraries to incorporate diverse cultural elements into their programming.

Recognizing the growing importance of digital literacy, the new media boxes also feature twelve Edurino figures. These figures, used with a tablet and accompanying app, unlock various learning environments for preschool and elementary school children, developed by educators. This reflects a broader trend in education towards incorporating technology and interactive learning tools to enhance engagement and cater to diverse learning styles.

The Edurino figures exemplify a hands-on, gamified approach to learning, which can be particularly effective for young children. This aligns with initiatives in U.S. schools and libraries to integrate technology into early childhood education, such as the use of interactive whiteboards and educational apps.

The program’s focus on digital literacy mirrors national trends in the U.S., where libraries are increasingly offering digital resources and training to bridge the digital divide and equip patrons with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century. Such as, the American library Association (ALA) has launched several initiatives to promote digital literacy, including training programs for librarians and resources for patrons.

Consider the Brooklyn Public Library’s “BKLYN Reach” program, which provides free digital literacy training to seniors and other adults, helping them navigate the digital world and access essential online services.Or the Chicago Public Library’s “Maker Lab,” which offers access to 3D printers, laser cutters, and other digital fabrication tools, empowering patrons to explore STEM fields and develop valuable skills. These initiatives,like the Friedberg library system’s media boxes,demonstrate the vital role that libraries play in fostering digital inclusion and promoting lifelong learning.

Friedberg Mayor Kjetil Dahlhaus emphasized the importance of the Bibliothekszentrum Klosterbau,stating,”The Bibliothekszentrum Klosterbau is a central educational institution of the city of Friedberg,whose work extends far beyond the city limits.” He also expressed his gratitude to the staff for their dedication in selecting and assembling the boxes,highlighting their crucial role in the program’s success.

The library system now boasts nearly 150 media boxes, including approximately 60 themed boxes specifically designed for teachers. All boxes are easily searchable via the library center’s online catalog,making it simple for educators and librarians to find the resources they need.

Birgit Bergmann and Stephanie Roser report that demand for the book boxes remains consistently high. “Thanks to the funding, we can continuously expand our offerings and provide current media. This particularly benefits children and young people,” they said, underscoring the program’s positive impact on the community.

Can Friedberg’s Model Work in the U.S.? Experts Weigh In

The Friedberg library system’s media box program offers several valuable lessons for libraries in the United States,where resource sharing and community engagement are increasingly important. First, it demonstrates the power of collaboration between local government and libraries to support literacy and education. Second, it highlights the importance of providing flexible and adaptable resources that meet the evolving needs of patrons. Third,it showcases the potential of themed media boxes to engage readers and promote specific learning goals.

Many U.S. libraries already offer similar services, such as bookmobile programs and outreach initiatives to schools and community centers. However, the Friedberg model provides a structured and sustainable approach to resource sharing that could be replicated in other communities, particularly in rural areas or those with limited resources.

For example, a library system in rural Montana could create themed media boxes focusing on topics such as agriculture, Native American history, or the local ecosystem, providing valuable resources to schools and community organizations that may lack access to these materials otherwise. Similarly, a library in a low-income urban neighborhood could create boxes focused on job skills, financial literacy, or health information, addressing the specific needs of its community.

Dr. Emily Carter, a leading expert in library science and educational resource management, believes the Friedberg initiative holds significant promise for U.S. libraries. “The Friedberg Library System’s initiative is indeed generating a lot of excitement as it offers a fresh approach to resource sharing, and it’s a model that U.S. libraries can adapt to address local challenges and engage their communities,” she explains.

According to Dr. Carter, the core components of the program include curated media boxes aimed at providing smaller libraries and schools with readily accessible and engaging resources.These themed boxes include a wide array of materials, such as audiobooks, children’s books, themed collections, “Tonies” boxes, Kamishibai theaters, and digital resources like Edurino figures.

The major benefits of this initiative, according to Dr. Carter, include increased accessibility, enhanced community engagement, and cost-effectiveness. “Smaller libraries and schools gain access to a wider range of materials,” she notes.”The themes and curated content promote the interests of library patrons of all ages, and the shared resource model maximizes the impact of funding.”

Dr. Carter emphasizes that the friedberg model’s focus on reading for educational success aligns perfectly