The topic of promoting democracy was particularly important to us in 2025. Children and young people were able to cast their votes in the U18 election for the federal elections, and visitors to the central library could use the analog "Election Compass" to express their views on the parties' positions in the federal election. In the autumn, with the support of the Friends of the Stadtbibliothek and the Bremen State Agency for Civic Education, we piloted a new event format Association : the "Lower House Debate ." We invited participants to engage in an open and respectful debate on important issues for the future. The challenge lay in listening and acknowledging different perspectives, covering a wide range of topics such as the transportation revolution, loneliness, and fake news. In the new year, we will also be testing further exchange and event formats in the field of promoting democracy. Fostering these skills is just as important as promoting reading and media literacy in light of current social and political developments.
Figures, data, facts*
Visitors:
3,008,500
visitors
(on-site and on our website)
84.000
BIBCARD holders:
Activities
3.702.500
Lend
2.900
Events
15.550
Opening hours
Media offering
448,000
media items for children, young people and adults,
including
60,500
digital media items;
50,000
new acquisitions for children, young people and adults
Finances
13,330,000
total budget
0.28%
share of the total budget of the municipality of Bremen
* The figures have been rounded
Our rental bestsellers
novels
Bronsky, Alina;
Pi mal Daumen;
Köhlmeier, Michael;
The Spoiled
Moors, Liz;
The God of the Forest
Non-fiction books
1 Tofu – 30 Recipes
Bornewasser, Ludger
Inheritance Law in Question and Answer
Test Yearbook 2025
eBook
Music
Brahem, Anouar
After the last Sky
Einaudi, Ludovico
The summer portraits
Smith, Robert
Songs of a lost world
Children's and youth media
Ludwig, Sabine
The Fabulous Miss Braitwhistle
Children's book
Kova, Elise
Married into Magic: Deal with the Elf King
Young adult book
Adventure Games – The Three Investigators: The Secret of the Statue
Game
film
Flawless
Drama
Longlegs
Science Fiction
Megalopolis
Science Fiction
Headlines
Library Days! Special events for everyone
Borrowing media, attending readings, or quickly making copies – that's all part of the library experience. But everyone had the chance to discover just how much more a library can offer during our new event days, "All About the Library! – A Journey Through Time," from February 1st to 8th. Our program ranged from puppet shows and musical acts for children to numerous creative and playful activities. In addition to our events for children and families, we offered activities for everyone, such as our green screen workshop and the opportunity to build your own dream library.
Night of the Libraries
On April 4th, night turned into day – for the first time, Bremen's libraries opened their doors for a very special experience: the Night of the Libraries. More than 50 activities awaited visitors at all branches of the Stadtbibliothek: the youngest could send their cuddly toys to the library for an exciting overnight stay, dance enthusiasts enjoyed a lively evening, while exclusive tours offered rare glimpses behind the scenes . A bonfire flickered in the library garden, inviting everyone to gather and enjoy each other's company. Creative minds could try their hand at light painting . Readings, writing workshops, and much more were also on the program. Save the Date: Night of the Libraries: April 23, 2027
9th Library Congress
The Library Congress took place from June 24th to 27th, 2025, in the Bremen exhibition halls under the motto #LibrariesDeterminedDemocratic . Over 3,800 guests from more than 20 countries attended.
Maker Space in Huchting
Since September 2025, Huchting has had a Maker Space – a place for creativity and craft ideas. Tools such as a 3D printer, a cutting plotter, an overlock sewing machine, and a classic sewing machine are available for independent use.
Bee knowledge in the library garden
In the Lesum and Vegesack district libraries, children and adults can observe the life of bees up close together with a beekeeper and be there when the beekeeper empties the honeycombs.
Appearance at the IRMA trade fair
From June 26th to 28th, the Stadtbibliothek for the first time at IRMA (International Rehabilitation and Mobility Fair for All). Interesting hands-on activities attracted many visitors to the stand, who immediately tried out the wide range of services offered.
Digital guides help step by step
Anyone wishing to apply for a police clearance certificate, change their address, or obtain pension information no longer needs to visit the office in person. Digital guides with this practical support service – completely free of charge and without registration. An initiative in cooperation with the Senator for Finance.
World Literacy Day
International Literacy Day on September 8th serves as a reminder that many adults in Germany have limited reading and writing skills. In Bremen, this affects approximately 52,000 people. To mark the occasion, the Gröpelingen branch library, along with other partners, organized an event . It was a lively afternoon featuring picture book presentations, puzzles, crafts, information about reading and writing, and plenty of support for those interested.
Code Week
This year, as part of Code Week, from October 6th to 26th Stadtbibliothek Bremen . A wide variety of workshops, ranging from robot programming to other visions of the future, were offered, captivating audiences and inspiring participants.
Sustainability Action Days
Under the motto "Health and Well-being", the campaign period ran from September 18th to October 8th with exciting lectures, interactive activities and offers in all our libraries.