Esslingen in dispute: City library relocation causes heated debate!

Esslingen in dispute: City library relocation causes heated debate!

On Monday, the Esslingen local council decided to move the city library to the former Kögel fashion store. The decision was made with a razor-thin majority of just one vote. The purchases of the Zehntgasse 1 and Rathausplatz 14 buildings are planned for implementation. This is intended to secure the future of the library, which is perceived by many citizens as in need of renovation. A citizens' initiative opposing the move has already been announced and requires around 5,000 signatures to bring about a referendum.

The furniture is already well arranged in the Kögel rooms, but opinions about the move vary. While the Greens, the SPD and the Free Voters are behind the plan, there is resistance from the CDU, the FDP/Volt, the Left/FÜR, the AfD and WIR/Sportplatz. These groups are calling for a referendum for the Pfleghof location, which was favored in a previous decision in 2019, when almost 20,000 Esslingers called for a modernization of the Bebenhäuser Pfleghof. Mayor Matthias Klopfer doesn't want to tackle this until the 2030s, which is making many citizens sit up and take notice. “The serious discussion about the library is often questioned,” say the critical voices who call for possible solutions.

What speaks for the move?

The advantages of moving to the Kögel building are many. The new city library could offer around 700 square meters more public space. What is particularly important here is a large area for children and families as well as a separate youth area that meets modern requirements. In addition, the mobile library could drive directly to the new address, which would further improve the connection. Another positive twist: the more central location and an open facade can significantly increase the visibility of the library. Experience from other cities also shows that new libraries often lead to higher visitor numbers.

The outdated equipment of the current library and the lack of barrier-free access are further reasons for the planned relocation. The properties Zehntgasse 1 and Rathausplatz 14 could also be viewed as a long-term investment in order to avoid vacancies in central locations. The move is estimated to cost around 13.5 million euros, while the renovation of the care yard would cost around 17.3 million euros. An interior design concept for the design of the former fashion store is already available and the feasibility study also confirms that the building can be fully used as a city library.

The debate about the future remains exciting

In the coming weeks, the city library will again be discussed in the administrative committee and the committee for culture, sport and social affairs. Citizens will also have the opportunity to express their opinions at two information events in June. One thing is clear: the decision on the future location of the city library will not only have a significant influence on the future development of the library, but could also reflect the mood in the Esslingen community. It remains to be seen whether the citizens' petition will receive enough support to save the premises in the nursing home. The topic remains exciting and there is no end to the debate in sight in the next few months.

Ultimately, the commitment of citizens and innovative concepts for using the library are crucial for a well-founded decision-making process. A strong network for the city library is necessary in order to respond together to the needs of citizens. Calling for an open dialogue could prove crucial to finding a sustainable solution.

The Esslinger Zeitung provides savers and information, the city administration offers important details on its website, and the “We for the City Library” initiative presents the perspective of the supporters.

Esslinger newspaper reports that the future of the city library is in jeopardy due to a citizens' initiative.

esslingen.de is open to new ideas about the city library and possible relocation plans.

wir-fuer-die-stadtbuecherei-esslingen.de summarizes the ongoing efforts for a modern library.