Press releases

“Together Instead of Alone” is the theme for November at the Aachen City Library. As an open meeting place, the library creates space for community and social participation. Through numerous activities, the Aachen City Library aims to show that encounters don’t always require a special occasion. Sometimes all it takes is a conversation about a book, a few friendly words, a game played together, or a group craft activity to connect with one another.

With a diverse program, the City Library is participating in the campaign month organized by the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth (BMBFSFJ) and the German Library Association (dbv) under the motto “Together at the Library.” For four weeks, libraries across Germany will showcase how they can bring people together as places of encounter and social interaction. During this campaign month, the Aachen City Library would like to invite everyone to engage in conversation, participate in group activities, and get creatively involved.

Encounters and Interaction on the Ground
Floor In the entrance area, visitors can leave positive thoughts and encouraging messages on a “Good-Vibes Wall.” At the “Blind Date with a Book” station, wrapped books are waiting to be borrowed and discovered.

On Thursday, November 19, from 5 to 7 p.m., the Aachen City Library invites you to “Speed Dating with Books” at the youthfactory on the ground floor. Here, visitors can share their discoveries and recommendations while meeting new people.

The “Golden Days,” a regular series of events for people age 65 and older, will also take place on the ground floor and are part of the month-long campaign. On Wednesday, November 4, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., digital mentors will be on hand to answer questions about smartphones and tablets. On Thursday, November 5, the game club invites everyone to come play together starting at 3 p.m. On Friday, November 6, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., anyone interested can get help using the Onleihe e-library service.

Puzzling Together on the First Floor
On the first floor, an open puzzle table invites guests to solve puzzles together and linger for a while. All guests are welcome to join in at any time, work on the puzzles, and strike up conversations with one another.

Get Creative Together at the Creative Workshop
Starting November 6, a postcard-making station in the Creative Workshop on the third floor invites you to bring joy to others. Visitors can design postcards with encouraging messages and leave them at the library. Anyone who could use a few kind words is welcome to take one of the cards home.

From November 17 to 21, there will also be a crochet, knitting, and yarn swap event there. In addition to swapping yarn and craft supplies, anyone interested is invited to knit, crochet, and chat together.

New Perspectives at the Living Library at the Depot
On Wednesday, November 18, at 6:30 p.m., the “Living Library” will take place at the Depot, located at Talstraße 2. Instead of books, real people can be “borrowed” here for personal conversations. The focus will be on topics such as democracy, faith, conscientious objection, life with a donor heart, and self-help for addiction. The event offers an opportunity to learn about different life experiences, break down prejudices, and discover new perspectives. Admission is free. Please register in advance at depot@mail.aachen.de.