From Wednesday 13 January 2021 library users will be able to return borrowed items and collect pre-ordered books and other media during our current opening hours (Monday-Friday 10am-7pm; Saturdays 10am-2pm. You can pre-order books using our online catalogue, by telephone on 0211-8994399 or by email at stbvormerkungen@duesseldorf.de.
Benrath, Bilk, Derendorf, Gerresheim und Kaiserswerth libraries will also be providing a book return and collection service. You will be able to return and collect pre-ordered items during the usual opening hours only. Please note: Up to five items can be ordered without charge using our online catalogue. It is also possible to place orders for items by title or topic via telephone or email.
The opening times and contact details for the branch libraries are as follows: Mondays and Thursdays: 2pm-7pm; Wednesdays and Fridays: 11am-1pm, 2pm-5pm; Saturdays 11am-1pm. All branch libraries are closed on tuesdays.
Renewals The return dates for all borrowed items and the expiry dates of library cards will be extended until 31 March 2021. It is therefore not necessary to visit a library branch immediately during the first days of our reopening, meaning long waiting times can be avoided.
What happens to the items I have already borrowed?
No overdue fees will be generated during the closed period. You do not need to do anything - items currently on loan will be automatically renewed until 31 March 2021. Please do NOT send us items by post.
Will I have to pay overdue fees?
No overdue fees will be generated during the closed period. Any pre-existing fees will need to be paid when our libraries reopen.
What happens to items I have ordered/reserved?
Reservations and orders will remain in place. Reserved and ordered items will available for collection for 2 weeks after our libraries reopen.
Can I reserve/order items during the closure?
Items can be ordered or reserved during the closure using the online catalogue. Orders and reservations will be satisfied when we reopen. Or: Items reserved or ordered prior to the temporary closure of the libraries can also be collected, following notification that they are ready for collection.
My library card has expired. What can I do?
Library cards will remain active until 31 March 2021.
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What services are available online?
Our online services will be available 24/7 during the closed period and can be accessed from the comfort of your own home without additional fees - all you need is a valid Düsseldorf library card. On Onleihe you can find e-books, audiobooks, e-magazines and online courses, with new items being added to the collection in the coming days. The children’s-book-app TigerBooks offers access to over 5,000 books for children from 2-12 years. PressReader allows you to read over 6,500 national and international newspapers and magazines, while you can listen to jazz and classical music via streaming services Medici.tv and Naxos. There is also a goldmine of films and series for the whole family to stream via filmfriend. You can use and enjoy all of our digital media and streaming services via the onlineBibliothek.
What if I haven't got a library card?
From the first day of our closed period Düsseldorf Library Service will be offering a temporary digital membership that is valid until we reopen. If you are interested in a digital membership please contact us by email at stadtbuechereien@duesseldorf.de giving your name, address and date-of-birth. Owing to high demand, digital membership is only available to Düsseldorf residents. Applicants will receive account and login details via email. Please note: the Library Service cannot be reached by telephone or email during the Düsseldorf City Council Christmas closure from 24.12.2020 to 03.01.2021.
I require research assistance - is that also possible online?
Düsseldorf Library Service offers free individual research advice. "First Aid: Research" offers individuals assistance with literature and information searches for upper-level school students. Librarians from the Central Library will work alongside students to help them research using the library catalogue and subject-specific databases. Owing to the corona situation, The Central Library will be providing "First Aid: Research" digitally this year with the help of an online video platform. This is compatible with internet-ready computers or mobile devices, although smartphone screens are too small to usefully research in the catalogue together. Sign up for "First Aid: Research" by sending an email with your name, email address and the specific research topic to facharbeit@duesseldorf.de .
Will there be any library events?
Until Easter 2021 all library events will be taking place online. For example:
15.12.2020, 18:30 Unter Elchen - the Düsseldorf reader forum. In cooperation with ZAKK
17.12.2020, 18:00 eduLabs NRW Christmas Special: Upcycling from electro-junk. Build an insect robot
07.01.2021, 18:30 BookTalk Ddorf. Book tips for everyone
regular makerkids sessions – online on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/stadtbuechereien_duesseldorf/ )
Detailed information on individual events can be found on the Düsseldorf Library Service and our social media channels.
