Mönchengladbach Central Library - Library for the 21st century

An open library, a hybrid place of learning, an innovative networking space, an intercultural meeting place - this was the aim of the Mönchengladbach Central Library project. With its renovation and modernization, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the "Central Library of the Future zb+" project aimed to realize its potential as a place of learning and educational partner, makerspace and media laboratory, information service provider and knowledge space, place of integration, relaxation and inspiration as far as possible. The aim was to open up the library to the district in terms of geography, space, time and concept.

Space for knowledge and exchange

As a public place of culture that is also open at weekends, the redesigned central library was to grow from around 1,500 to 3,000 square meters of space - and invite people from Mönchengladbach and initiatives to exchange ideas, meet and network. The additional space also offers room for creativity, co-design and learning.

In addition to the spatial expansion, the focus of the new concept was on modern equipment, extended opening hours and sufficient staff resources. The aim: to create an easily accessible and inclusive neighborhood meeting place for everyone. These are the foundations for ensuring that the central library can be used by all generations from all backgrounds in the future. In this way, the central library can be a storehouse of knowledge for the city and the neighborhood as well as a place for ideas for change and development.

Modern and visible

Numerous measures were necessary to revitalize the city centre as the "library of the 21st century" and make it more attractive. These included, above all, the extension, which makes the building architecturally attractive and opens it up to the city. An intelligent lighting installation or a digital cultural showcase was also intended to improve the visibility of the central library in public spaces. In addition, the facilities and services were to be adapted to the current needs of a library and a library café was to be created.

A green library

The new library sees itself as a "green library" - especially in terms of its services. This includes an open garden and a repair café, charging stations for e-bikes and open workshops. Solar cells and a strong focus on resource conservation are used for the energy supply.