Stadt
bücherei
Frankfurt
am Main

The Project

Meeting Point Future – The Role of Neighbourhood Libraries in a Changing City

How can neighbourhood libraries in the city of the future continue to position themselves as key players – right at the heart of the community, close to the people? The 16 neighbourhood libraries and the mobile library service of Frankfurt’s City Library define themselves as open spaces. They stand for educational equity and equal opportunities, for digital and cultural participation, and for freedom of information. They are far more than places to borrow books: they are spaces of encounter and dialogue. In many districts – especially where cultural infrastructure is lacking – they serve as a strong anchor for community life. But how can these libraries maintain and further develop their role within the neighbourhoods? In a growing city, they must adapt precisely to the changing needs of diverse communities, take on new responsibilities, and create room for innovation. At the same time, they remain committed to the core identity of the City Library. Existing approaches – such as responding to changes in the media landscape and evolving user behaviour – provide an important foundation. In the next phase, these will be further refined, with the aim of striking a new balance between shared identity and local diversity: neighbourhood libraries as strong, interconnected actors in Frankfurt’s urban fabric – each with its own distinctive character, yet working in close collaboration.