Future of the city library: move to the foundation hospital planned!

Future of the city library: move to the foundation hospital planned!

In Speyer, the discussion is growing about the future of the city library, which is currently housed in the Villa Ecarius. The children's and youth department there is struggling with space problems, as employee Kerstin Bürger reports. With several visitors, things quickly become crowded. That's why there's more and more talk about a planned move of the library to the former foundation hospital in Spitalgasse. The city sees this step as a great opportunity for further development.

The foundation hospital gradually ceased its use in 2019. Today the area, which belongs to the municipal community hospital foundation, is available for a new use. The goal is not only a change of use, but also a positive influence on urban development. The aim is to create an inclusive residential area that includes meeting places and facilities for assisted and communal living. This goes hand in hand with the requirement to fulfill the charitable purposes of the foundation, particularly in the care of senior citizens.

Plans for the city library and citizen participation

The ongoing plans to revitalize the foundation hospital also include a usage concept for the city library. Preliminary investigations, citizen participation and political votes have already been carried out. An important part of the process is citizen involvement. They should be given the opportunity to submit their ideas about the conversion in a comprehensive participation process. The results of this participation will flow into a “design guide” that will serve as the basis for an architectural competition.

The city has a right of co-determination in the development of the property, so citizen participation is strongly integrated into the planning process. The first important dates in this context have already been set: A kick-off meeting of the steering group took place on March 18, 2024, followed by an expert hearing on August 29, 2024. Citizens can also participate online and are invited to take part in exhibitions and lectures.

Role of the library in society

Public libraries are more than just spaces for books. They are essential places of encounter and participation in our society that promote social justice. The culturalist Henri Lefebvre emphasizes the “right to the city” – a concept that calls for citizens to help shape urban spaces. In this sense, a move of the city library would not only be a spatial change, but also a shift to a place that can serve as a lively meeting place for citizens and bring different social classes together.

Libraries are spaces in which marginalized groups particularly benefit from the offerings. In times of crisis, they show their importance as places of social closeness and support. But they must offer both digital and social infrastructure to remain relevant in a changing society. The focus on these aspects will be crucial for the future of the city library.

The discussions about the conversion of the foundation hospital and the potential relocation of the city library are part of a larger political discourse in Speyer that is concerned with creating a fairer city. How the city and its citizens position themselves in this process will significantly shape the future development of the city.

Further information on the planned conversion of the foundation hospital and citizen participation can be found in the articles by Rhine Palatinate and on the city's website Speyer. In addition, the topics on the role of libraries in urban development are discussed in detail Cultural Council documented.