Hamburg, June 26 – The Hamburg State and University Library Carl von Ossietzky (Stabi) is currently unable to fulfill its core mission of acquiring new literature due to significant financial constraints. The library has informed its users that its acquisition budget has been drastically reduced, impacting access to both printed and electronic resources.
Acquisition Budget Halved to €1.8 Million
According to library director Robert Zepf, the Stabi is grappling with substantial cost increases, partly due to structural issues with its building. In 2023, the library had an acquisition budget of 3.7 million Euros. For 2026, this budget has been cut in half, now standing at just 1.8 million Euros.
This financial shortfall has forced the library to terminate many licenses for electronic books and journals at the beginning of the year. Zepf expressed deep regret that the library is currently unable to acquire newly published titles, both in print and electronic formats, to the extent that users expect.
Previous Cancellations of Online Services
The current crisis follows earlier cuts. In 2025, the Stabi already canceled more than 40 major publisher packages, including electronic books, journals, and databases. Among the affected resources were Statista, the digital Oxford English Dictionary, and crucial e-book packages for psychology and economics.
Impact on Students and Researchers
The funding cuts are directly affecting students, teachers, and all Hamburg residents who rely on access to up-to-date scientific literature. While users can still submit suggestions for needed books, not all demands can be met. The library states that “intensive discussions” are underway to make larger-scale acquisitions possible again.
In the interim, the Stabi is appealing for donations and offers of support from the public to help mitigate the impact of the budget cuts.
Uncertain Future for the Book Tower and Building Renovations
Adding to the library’s challenges are structural problems with its building. The Hamburg fire department has identified significant deficiencies at the State and University Library, raising questions about its long-term future. The condition of the “book tower” is a particular concern, with the library actively seeking a new location.
Despite these issues, renovation work has begun on the leaky roof of the “Stabi.” The Senate has reportedly allocated 21 million Euros for immediate measures to address critical structural problems.
Broader Context of Hamburg News
This news comes amidst other significant developments in Hamburg. The region is currently experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius and forecasts of up to 40 degrees in some parts of Northern Germany. Additionally, long prison sentences have been handed down in the case of a Hamburg family’s death in Istanbul, with the hotel operator receiving 13 years and 4 months, and higher sentences for employees of the pest control company.
In economic news, Senator Leonhard has presented new support measures for the long-term unemployed. Through the “Participation Opportunities Act,” nearly 600 long-term unemployed individuals in Hamburg were placed in companies last year, a higher number than in any other German state.
Infrastructure projects are also underway, with a section of Max-Brauer-Allee closed until September 2, 2026, for the construction of a new Sternbrücke.
The financial struggles of the Stabi highlight the broader challenges faced by public institutions in Hamburg, balancing essential services with budgetary constraints and infrastructure needs.
