Library as a meeting place: Würzburg's innovative vision awarded

Library as a meeting place: Würzburg's innovative vision awarded

Munich (dpa/lby)- The city library Würzburg has won the coveted Bavarian library price 2024 and thus emerged as an outstanding example of modern library development. At a time when many public institutions are fighting with the challenges of digitization and changing user needs, the Würzburg library has developed a pioneering concept. It has changed from a pure lending to an integrative social meeting point that brings people together and promotes exchange. This remarkable change was explicitly recognized by the specialist jury, which is out of 10,000 euros.

The Würzburg city library already presented a comprehensive development plan in 2022, which responds to the current needs of visitors. The aim is to create inviting rooms that invite you to relax and offer opportunities for encounters and exchange. The focus is on the service guy and the well -being of the users who can also visit the library after the regular end of work, since the opening hours have been extended until the evening. In addition, sustainability, ecological education and digital learning are central elements of the new orientation. The "Level3" initiative, which is located in the Falkenhaus city library, was particularly emphasized. It offers a variety of courses and workshops to support people of all ages in learning digital skills and finding their way around in an increasingly digital world.

Special price for innovative approaches

In addition, a special price of 5,000 euros was awarded to the Marktoberdorf city library in Ostallgäu. As part of the renovation of the town hall, the library, which is now over 30 years old, was completely redesigned. The redesign combines old and modern elements and thus creates an appealing space that not only invites you to read, but also for lingering. The newly introduced reading café and the redesigned areas make the library a lively meeting point where people can meet and exchange. This innovative approach underlines the growing importance of libraries as social and cultural centers in our communities.

These awards are not only a sign of recognition for the excellent work in the two cities, but also a signal for the positive development of libraries as a whole. In the digital age, libraries play an increasingly important role than places of learning, encounter and cultural participation. It remains to be seen how the concepts will develop in Würzburg and Marktoberdorf, but the signs are on progress and integration.