§ 2 – General

1. The Stadtbibliothek Bremen is a Eigenbetrieb der Stadtgemeinde Bremen in accordance with the "Local Law on the Municipal Enterprise Stadtbibliothek Bremen, Eigenbetrieb der Stadtgemeinde Bremen" (BremStBOG).
   


2. This user and fee agreement establishes a private-law user relationship between the Stadtbibliothek and its users. Section 7, paragraph 5 remains unaffected.
   


3. The Stadtbibliothek 's mission is to provide the population of Bremen with a current range of media and services based on diversity principles. The Stadtbibliothek serves general cultural purposes as well as general educational interests, providing information, training, continuing education and professional development, and leisure activities.
   


4. Everyone is permitted to use the Stadtbibliothek . Section 11 remains unaffected.
   


5. Visiting the Stadtbibliothek is free and possible without a library card.
   


6. These terms of use and fees, in their current version, are prominently displayed in the public areas of the Stadtbibliothek for public information. This also applies to the fee schedule, which is attached as an appendix to these terms of use and fees.
   


7. Users must observe and comply with copyright regulations.
   


8. The Stadtbibliothek uses, among other things, technical aids to ensure access to internet content and media classified according to FSK (Voluntary Self-Regulation of the Film Industry) or USK (Entertainment Software Self-Regulation) in accordance with youth protection laws.

§ 3 – Registration

1. Users aged 18 and over will be issued a library card by the Stadtbibliothek upon presentation of a valid identity card or passport with proof of residence. This library card entitles the holder, in particular, to borrow materials. It can be applied for in person at the Stadtbibliothek branches or online.
   


2. Children and young people up to their 18th birthday must present written consent from a legal guardian, in which the legal guardian declares that they consent to the use of the Stadtbibliothek 's facilities and are liable for all claims and damages against the library card holders arising from this usage. A valid identity card or passport with proof of residence from the legal guardian is required for this purpose.
   


3. Legal entities or associations of persons with legal capacity are registered by their legal representative or a person authorized by them in writing.
   


4. By registering, users confirm that they have read and accepted these terms of use and fees (including the fee schedule).

Section 4 – Data Processing

1. The Stadtbibliothek processes the personal data of its users (data processing) required for the services pursuant to Section 2 of the Bremen City Library Act (BremStBOG), and, if necessary, also that of their legal guardians, and uses this data exclusively for its own purposes. This data includes, in particular, surname, first name, date of birth, gender, address, email address, telephone number, discount status, and bank details.
   


2. By applying for a library card, users consent to the processing of their personal data. If registration for the electronic library card is done exclusively via the Stadtbibliothek website, users must provide separate consent to the processing of their personal data. If users do not consent to data processing, a library card cannot be issued. Any use requiring a library card, especially borrowing materials, will then be impossible.
   


3. Users may revoke their consent pursuant to paragraph 2 at any time with effect for the future. Upon revocation, personal data will be deleted immediately, unless it is required for the settlement of obligations arising from the terms of use and fees (billing data). Any use requiring a library card will then no longer be possible (e.g., borrowing materials).
   


4. Data processing is subject to the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Bremen Implementing Act on the EU General Data Protection Regulation.

§ 5 – Library card/BIBCARD

1. The library card is non-transferable and remains the property of the Stadtbibliothek. The library card is valid for twelve months unless otherwise stated. A fee is payable according to § 7 and the currently valid fee schedule.
   


2. The library card is valid for the entire current range of services offered by the Stadtbibliothek. Section 3, paragraph 4 and Section 6, paragraph 5 remain unaffected.
   


3. The Stadtbibliothek must be notified immediately if a library card is lost.
   


4. The rightful holders of the library card are liable for damages resulting from the loss or misuse of the library card until the Stadtbibliothek Stadtbibliothek receives and confirms the report of the loss or misuse.
   


5. Any change of address or name of the library card holder or their legal guardian must be reported to the Stadtbibliothek immediately. Any address search at the citizens' registration office necessary for processing overdue notices is subject to a fee and will be invoiced.

§ 6 – Loan, Renewal, Reservation

1. The library card must be used for all borrowing transactions.
   


2. The loan period for all media is generally three weeks. The loan period can be extended before its expiration if the items are not reserved. Certain media are exempt from extensions. Please observe the loan periods. A late fee will be charged for overdue returns.
   


3. Borrowed items can be reserved for a fee.
   


4. For online communication with the Stadtbibliothek a current email address is required, and any changes to this address must be communicated to the Stadtbibliothek immediately.
   


5. Further usage regulations are issued by the management of the Stadtbibliothek. These will be announced to users in a timely manner and are available for inspection in the public areas of the Stadtbibliothek .
   


6. For returns outside of opening hours (e.g., via postal service), the cardholder is responsible for the proper return and accidental loss of the borrowed media.

§ 7 – Fees for the library card and for exceeding the loan period

1. A fee is charged for the library card in accordance with the fee schedule.
   


2. In addition to the fees, users are required to pay all other costs and expenses incurred for special services.
   


3. Additional fees apply for exceeding the loan period, regardless of notification, for holds, and for other special services offered by the Stadtbibliothek. The amount of each fee is determined by the fee schedule included in these library regulations. Loan periods must be observed even for items returned outside of opening hours.
   


4. All fees are due immediately. A reminder will be sent, subject to a fee, if payment is not received immediately (section 5.4 of the fee schedule).
   


5. Following an unsuccessful dunning procedure, the Stadtbibliothek initiates a public-law enforcement procedure.
   


6. Users can also pay library fees by authorizing an open-ended direct debit (ABO-BIBCARD). Based on this authorization, the library card's validity is automatically renewed annually along with the collection of library fees. Cancellation of the direct debit authorization must be submitted in writing no later than six weeks before the library card's expiration date.

§ 8 – Liability of the Stadtbibliothek

1. Liability for personal injury, property damage or financial loss incurred by users while using the library premises, including ancillary rooms and entrances, as well as the provided items, is excluded.
   


2. This excludes claims for damages by users arising from injury to life, body, or health, or from the breach of essential contractual obligations (cardinal obligations), as well as liability for other damages resulting from an intentional or grossly negligent breach of duty by the Stadtbibliothek, its legal representatives, or agents. Essential contractual obligations are those whose fulfillment is necessary to achieve the purpose of the contract. In the event of a breach of essential contractual obligations, the Stadtbibliothek is liable only for the typical, foreseeable damages if these were caused by simple negligence, unless the claim for damages by the user arises from injury to life, body, or health.
   


3. The restrictions in paragraphs 1 and 2 also apply in favor of the legal representatives and agents of the Stadtbibliothekif claims are asserted directly against them.
   


4. The library accepts no liability for the loss of or damage to valuables and clothing brought onto the premises by users. This does not apply if the Stadtbibliothek or its agents have acted with gross negligence or intent.
   


5. The Stadtbibliothek is not liable for the misuse of its services by users.
   


6. The Stadtbibliothek is not liable for the timeliness, accuracy, completeness and quality of the content it provides.

§ 9 – Handling of the Stadtbibliothek 's Property and Liability of Users

1. Users are obligated to:
   
   a) handle the media carefully, protect them from alterations, soiling, and damage, and ensure that they are not misused;
   
   b) check the media for completeness and any visible defects before borrowing them and inform the library staff of these defects;
   
   c) check digital or technical media (especially CDs and DVDs) for errors, particularly viruses, manipulation, and damage, before using them, as the Stadtbibliothek is not liable for any damage to hardware, software, or technical equipment;
   
   the furniture, facilities, and premises of the Stadtbibliothek treat

2. Misuse of the IT infrastructure and digital services provided on the premises of the Stadtbibliothek will result in exclusion from use. Misuse includes, in particular, accessing and distributing illegal, violence-glorifying, pornographic, or racist content and data, copyright infringement, and manipulation of the hardware and software provided.
   


3. Library card holders are liable for loss and damage to borrowed materials. Loss and damage to materials must be reported to the library immediately.
   


4. If the cardholders fail to return the borrowed media despite being requested to do so, compensation will be demanded instead of restitution.
   


5. For ID card holders up to their 18th birthday, compensation for damages can be claimed by their legal representative in accordance with the declaration of commitment pursuant to Section 3 Paragraph 2.

§ 10 – House rules and conduct in the library

1. The Stadtbibliothek has the right to control access to its premises. Instructions and requests from library staff must be followed.
   


2. The Stadtbibliothek has house rules. These can be viewed at any time in their current version by contacting the library staff.
   


3. Library staff are authorized to check bags and similar items in order to protect the Stadtbibliothek from theft in the interest of all users.

§ 11 – Exclusion of Use

1. To ensure the functionality and smooth operation of the Stadtbibliothek , users who violate the provisions of these rules of use and fees may be temporarily excluded from borrowing and/or using the library.
   


2. If a library card is excluded from borrowing or issued with an indefinite ban from all facilities, it becomes invalid.
   


3. No refunds will be issued for fees already paid. All obligations of users arising from these terms of use and fees remain in effect even after exclusion.

§ 12 – Entry into force

The usage and fee regulations came into effect on May 1, 2025. At the same time, the usage and fee regulations of January 1, 2021, ceased to be in effect.

Stadtbibliothek Bremen, Eigenbetrieb der Stadtgemeinde Bremen

Fee schedule

1 Library cards / BIBCARDS	euro
Fees are generally payable 12 months in advance. Eligibility for discounts must be proven with valid personal documentation. The fees are as follows:
1.1 from the 28th to the 65th birthday or as an annual fee	Subscription price: €22.00 26,00 €
upon presentation of a Bremen Pass, a certificate from the Employment Agency regarding receipt of unemployment benefit I, citizen's allowance, basic income support, or upon presentation of a certificate from the Office for Social Services regarding receipt of subsistence assistance, basic income support in old age or in case of incapacity for work, or upon presentation of a temporarily issued severely disabled person's ID card or BAföG	16,00 €
1.2 from the 18th to the 28th birthday as well as from the 65th birthday or upon presentation of a pension card or an indefinitely issued severely disabled person's card or as an annual payment	Subscription price: €13.00 16,00 €
1.3 until the age of 18 or upon presentation of a student ID (also applies to trainees)	for free
1.4 upon presentation of a valid student ID card from the universities of the state of Bremen	for free
1.5 upon presentation of the receipt for a valid, fee-based user card of the Bremen State and University Library	6,00 €
1.6 upon presentation of the receipt for a valid, fee-based library card from the Institut Français or the Instituto Cervantes	6,00 €
1.7 for companies, medical and legal practices or similar institutions, including use of the art lending service or as an annual fee	Subscription price: €100.00 100,00 €
1.8 for institutions in the preschool and school sector, including authorized staff, upon special application	for free
2 Additional services
Additionally, and linked to the validity period of the library card
2.1 Art lending is included in the subscription library card	10,00 €
2.2 Only in the Central Library: Borrowing of bestsellers, per item	3,00 €
2.3 Pre-orders, per item	1,00 €
2.4 External interlibrarianship, per item	1,50 €
3 Half-year ticket
Terms of use include library card as per point 1; card validity: 6 months	16,00 €
4 Day ticket for single use
Max. 5 items, no loan period extensions, incl. internet access	5,00 €
5 Exceeding the loan period or payment default
If the item is returned within the first business day after the loan period expires, no late fee will be charged (grace period). If the item is returned later, the grace period does not apply, and a late fee will be charged for each business day after the loan period expires.
5.1 Per item and opening day (max. €9.90 per item; with library card according to 1.3 max. €4.80)	0,30 €
Except: Bestsellers and artworks per medium and opening day (max. €15.00 per medium)	1,00 €
5.2 Media from the bus library: per item and week (max. €1.50 per item)	0,25 €
5.3 Fees for overdue notices for outstanding media media are subject to a fee. Unsuccessful dunning procedures will be followed by public enforcement proceedings. 1st notice: one week after the loan period ends; 2nd notice: three weeks after the loan period ends; 3rd notice: six weeks after the loan period ends.	1,00 € 5,00 € 13,00 €
5.4 Reminder letters for overdue payments (Note: According to § 7 para. 4 of the Terms of Use and Fees, all fees are due immediately). If the reminder procedure is unsuccessful, the claim will be collected through public enforcement proceedings.	13,00 €
5.5 Information from the residents' registration office for determining current addresses	10,00 €
6 Other fees
6.1 In case of damage to or loss of a medium, a processing fee will be charged in addition to the replacement value of the medium	5,00 €
6.2 In case of damage or loss of equipment, cover, etc.	2,50 €
6.3 For a replacement library card up to the 18th birthday, from the 18th birthday	2,00€ 5,00 €
6.4 In the event of a chargeback, an additional processing fee will be charged to cover the increased administrative costs	12,00 €

Download the terms of use and fees as a PDF