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Whether Hamburg, Berlin or Bremen – the prices for library cards vary greatly. A recent study shows where you have to pay the most and where you can save.
In 2023, Germany counted around 8,860 public and academic libraries, giving citizens access to a variety of books, magazines and other media. This emerges from a study by the online second-hand bookseller Bookbot. To use these libraries, a membership card is usually required, the cost of which is an average of 23.65 euros per year in the 20 largest cities in Germany. However, prices vary between cities and can differ by up to 35 euros.
How expensive are the annual fees in German libraries? How can you save money when buying books? © Schöning/Imago
In Hamburg Citizens have to dig deep into their pockets to gain access to the city’s 33 libraries and book buses. At 45 euros per year for adults aged 27 and over, the Hamburg library card is the most expensive in Germany. Bonn, Bochum and Cologne share second place with annual fees of 30 euros, while Bremen is in third place with 26 euros.
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In contrast, the library card in Berlin is the cheapest with an annual fee of ten euros. Despite the low price, Berliners have the largest selection of libraries: The Berlin Association of Public Libraries includes more than 80 institutions. In eight other cities, including Dresden, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Leipzig, Munich, Nuremberg and Stuttgart, the library card costs 20 euros per year, twice as much as in Berlin. With a fee of 22 euros, Essen is in third place among the cheapest library cards.
Free library cards for children
Obtained in almost all cities Kinder and young people get their library card free of charge. Exceptions are Münster and Hamburg, where a fee of three or six euros applies. In Hamburg, however, children from low-income families receive the ID card free of charge. In some cities, young adults up to the age of 27 also benefit from cheaper prices. Many libraries also offer reduced or free cards for students, trainees, volunteers, refugees or benefit recipients. There are also attractive offers for families or couples in many cities.
Up to 24 million books: The ten largest libraries in Germany
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Marilena Himmelreich, Head of Communications at Bookbot, commented on the results of the investigation. She emphasized that cities strive to make books and other media accessible to all citizens at fair prices. Libraries are an important place for education, knowledge and leisure, especially for low-income families, students, trainees or volunteers who cannot afford new books. However, she regretted that the number of libraries in Germany is constantly decreasing.
How can you save money when buying books?
- Buy used books: Platforms like Rebuy, Medimops, Bookbot or Booklooker often offer used books at a fraction of the new price. You can also find bargains at flea markets or antique stores.
- E-books and discount campaigns: E-books are often cheaper than printed books – hardcovers in particular are very expensive, and many online retailers regularly offer special promotions or discounts. Amazon has e.g. E.g. regular Kindle deals.
- Exchange books: There are platforms such as Tauschticket or bookcases in cities or in the countryside where you can exchange books you have read for others.
- Book clubs and subscriptions: Some book clubs or reading subscriptions offer books monthly at reduced prices or as part of a package. Some subscriptions provide access to a large selection of e-books for a small monthly fee.
Here are more tips for saving money when buying books.
For the investigation has Bookbot The prices for library cards in the 20 largest cities in Germany were determined and compared. The libraries’ official websites served as sources of information.
