Hamburg, December 23 – Book lovers in Hamburg can breathe a sigh of relief this Christmas, as 20 of the city’s 32 public libraries will remain open, either fully or partially, throughout the holiday season. This initiative ensures that residents will have continued access to reading materials and library services, even during the festive break.
Flexibib System Enables Staff-less Access
A significant number of these libraries will operate with their normal opening hours, allowing patrons to borrow and read books without the need for staff presence. This is made possible through the innovative ‘Flexibib’ system. Flexibibs are flexible libraries where adults holding a valid library card can access the facilities independently, even when librarians are not on duty.
This system allows for extended and more convenient access to resources, particularly beneficial during holiday periods when staffing might be reduced. The ability to access books and study spaces without strict adherence to staffed hours provides a valuable service to the community.
Limited Opening Hours for Some Branches
While many libraries offer extended access, some branches will have restricted opening hours. The libraries in Altona, Niendorf, Volksdorf, and Winterhude will be open until midday on December 24th but will then remain closed for the rest of the Christmas holidays. Patrons planning to visit these specific locations should take note of these adjusted schedules.
Libraries Closed for the Christmas Break
Conversely, several other Hamburg libraries will be observing a full Christmas break and will be closed. These include the Central Library and branches in Barmbek, Bergedorf, Bramfeld, Eidelstedt, Eimsbüttel, Fuhlsbüttel, Harburg, Holstenstraße, Horn, Mümmelmannsberg, Neuallermöhe, Steilshoop, and Wandsbek. Residents who typically use these branches will need to either make alternative arrangements for their reading needs or visit one of the open libraries during the holiday period.
The decision to keep a substantial number of libraries open reflects a commitment to public service and cultural access, acknowledging the importance of books and learning even during traditional holiday closures. The ‘Flexibib’ system plays a crucial role in making this extended access feasible and convenient for Hamburg’s residents.
Source: https://www.zeit.de/news/2025-12/23/20-buecherhallen-in-hamburg-bleiben-ueber-weihnachten-offen
