wonderful library. Many opportunities for kids. Many DVDs and CDs.read more

What a lovely library, saw it and just had to stop and check out the antique books. The library is…read moresuper quiet and you get 30 minutes free access. We walked this lovely library and enjoyed the beautiful artwork in the seating area. We saw a book swap and sat at the comfy chairs and checked out the books. There is a cafeteria onsite. We enjoyed a pear dessert before heading off on our next adventure.

I love libraries and museums. We didn't plan on visiting this library, but as we're walking by, I…read morefelt like a magnet was pulling me toward it. And I'm glad we stopped in. It was a bitterly cold December afternoon, and we stopped in the library to warm up a bit. Visitors will receive a 30 minute visitors pass to look around the library. We went to the rare book reading room and it was a beautiful scene - over 100 people reading and studying quietly surrounded by beautiful bookcases of rare books. We' ventured on and found a comfortable sitting area that was essentially a book exchange. Visitors could bring books to leave or take books with them. We found a 75-year-old German story book for students to bring home. There's a small café on the ground floor. Prices are not unreasonably high. Very clean bathrooms.

I read about this library's architecture online so on a recent trip to Berlin, I had to check it…read moreout. In the process of researching it, I discovered that anyone can get a library card...you don't have to reside in Berlin. I filled out the application online and obtained my card at the desk (after standing in quite a long line...getting a card must be a popular activity). Once you have the card, you can enter this library and the Unter den Linden location. This building is beautiful with multiple levels and stacks to explore. There are people working everywhere so it's important to tour quietly. This is a great library and a great resource for the people of Berlin.

As a fan of libraries when I saw the "Stabi" (as it's commonly referred to in Berlin,) was a part…read morethe Kulturforum, I was curious to see what one of the largest libraries in Berlin had to offer. The entrance is very broad and imposing, almost like the entrance of a large corporate complex, which isn't surprising since looking up after being there that it's one of the largest libraries in Europe. Its architecture follows a post war modernist style, sharp angles, straight lines and utilitarian while still showcasing the grand scale of socialist industrial influence. Originally the library was the royal collection of respective rulers of the region from 1661 through 1810, after which in 1810 became part of the Prussian administration. It increased its holdings thru 1884, then formally became known as the Prussian State Library since 1918. The socialist regime and following war destroyed much of the library, after which it was rebuilt and existed in two locations, right across the wall from each other. Today that section is located just down the street. Arriving at around 5:30pm on Friday afternoon, unfortunately I didn't get very far inside the building. Walking in the lobby and open space is huge, silent and hundreds of different sized-lockers greet you on the left. There are also lockers in another part of the lobby I believe walking to the right. No larger bags or coats are allowed inside, you must use a locker. Also you have to sign up for library membership (requiring appropriate German identification), to go thru the security desk. I walked all around the open areas and the sections with books and other media were completely walled or gated in. Even from the areas that were open I could see plenty of desks, study areas, and tons of books. From g-maps the interiors look spacious with great facilities for studying and getting work done. The noise level was basically non-exist, save for what looked like some study groups in discussion in the table areas outside security. A pity that it's not possible to go inside otherwise. I suppose as a research library they need to be more strict though was surprised to see that basically the entire library and not only partial was restricted. EDIT: thank you fellow Yelper Hilde for pointing out to me that there is a separate entrance that's accessible to the general public! So if you're stopping by make sure you're headed to the right part of the building - next time I'll be sure to check it out!

the humbold-library is probably one of the most beautiful places i've been to in berlin. it has a…read morehuge variety of all different kinds of books and is situated in a wonderful place. it's always a pleasure to go there and just walk through it especially during winter times. that's when it also gets kinda crowded in there and unfortunatly it gets really loud during these rush-hours. but other than that it's a really good place to relax and to enlarge your horizon.

A small branch library in Charlottenburg located on the quaint Nehringstr. It has three public…read morecomputers, a big selection on children's books and equally big adult section, audio and DVDs for adults and kids and some tables for kids and adults to sit and read or study. The librarians are extremely nice and helpful. A nice contrast to regular customer service. The library has two self-checkout desks that are modern and up to date. The kids section has only very few English books but no adult English books at all. However, it has a very relaxed atmosphere and offers a nice activity for families. The hours are short as the library opens only at 2 pm and closes at 6 pm.

After living in Berlin for a couple years, it was high time I finally got a library card. Of…read morecourse, I have many books I brought over with me, plus my Kindle, so getting a card wasn't exactly a high priority, especially since it costs €10 a year to have one. But I wanted to step up my German game, which meant checking out German books (at least, I figure this is more cost-effective than buying them). So I came to this branch. And although it's not my closest branch, it's better than the one by me, as it's newer, bigger, and has a better selection. I quickly got my card (it was probably a 10-minute process) and set about exploring. The building is three stories with just about everything you could imagine. It's relatively clearly organized, but if you can't find something, just ask one of the employees. There is a cafe on the ground floor, and places to sit and study or read (with free WiFi for those with a card) - although compared to other libraries, this one isn't the most welcoming or comfortable for a long, involved study session (hence four stars instead of five). In fact, as lovely and modern as this building is, it also feels rather sterile... but that's just the vibe I got. Pro tip: for those who have never been, even though it's on Frankfurter Allee, the building is removed from the street and down a small side street.

This place is all light and silver and books. I was worried, when I moved to Berlin, that my trek…read moreto a library would be a sort of exodus - living in Berkeley, where I could stretch out my arms and touch three libraries with my fingertips, I had gotten used to both quality and proximity, and the Gedenkbibliothek fills both those criteria. Almost a hundred sun-facing tables with spindly-legged chairs line the back windows. They fill up quickly in the morning, so get there early (by 11 or half-past) to nab a spot. The youth section, downstairs, is colorful and charming; entering the main library feels like walking into MI6 but for books. The selection of English books is sparse, but if you read German, you're golden, especially in terms of nonfiction: I've seen a generous heaping of everything from art to philosophy to travel on the shelves.