Future of the ZLB: move to Galeria Kaufhof on Alexanderplatz?

Future of the ZLB: move to Galeria Kaufhof on Alexanderplatz?

Alexanderplatz, Berlin, Deutschland - An important step could arise for the Central and State Library of Berlin (ZLB), since the Senate Culture Administration has initiated talks about a possible move. Culture Senator Joe Chialo (CDU) met with the owners of the Galeria Kaufhof department store on Alexanderplatz to discuss the integration of the ZLB into the building complex there.

These considerations are the result of an initiative on the part of the owner of the property, which the library wants to integrate into the new building ensemble. According to the Senate Culture Administration, the currently used buildings are dilapidated and urgently in need of renovation. Therefore, the Senate is open to solutions that ensure the future of the ZLB economically and sustainably.

possible integration into new building ensemble

The planned accommodation of the ZLB in the new buildings on Alexanderplatz is a promising option that must be examined by Berliner Immobilienmanagement GmbH. The owner of the property, Commerz Real AG, has already developed various variants for the accommodation of the library. In the talks, the Senate Department made it clear that the preservation of the Galeria department store and securing the jobs on site are very important.

The idea of moving the ZLB to the newly designed premises on Alexanderplatz goes beyond a simple change of location. In fact, such a measure could not only improve the existing infrastructure of the library, but also enhance the cultural offer in this central Berlin district. The conversations and considerations are still in flow, but the potential advantages for library work should not be underestimated.

This step is important on another level, since it also stimulates the discussion about the future of libraries in the city. In times when digital media are becoming increasingly important, the question arises as to how classic library offers can be further developed in a contemporary way in order to remain attractive to the growing population of Berlin.

A move to the new premises could help to redefine vitality and access to information. The municipality also has an interest in supporting operators of publicly accessible institutions such as libraries and making their offers attractive. It is important to leave no valuable opportunity for cultural life in Berlin.

At the moment it remains exciting to observe how the conversations develop and whether the suggestions of Commerz Real AG will be reflected in concrete plans. A comprehensive planning would be necessary to meet both the needs of the library and the conditions of Alexanderplatz. Further information and developments on this topic could www.rbb-online.de can be read.