New Spin on Alexanderplatz: Top Spot for Central Library Berlin?
Opportunity Arises for Alexanderplatz's Central Library, Led by Director Alexander - Central Library Opportunity Located at Alexanderplatz: Director's Perspective
The latest chief, Jonas Fansa, of Central and Regional Library Berlin (ZLB) sees Alexanderplatz as a golden opportunity: "Any solution that unites the ZLB across two locations is golden," he declares. The Galeria department store at Alexanderplatz could be the potential new digs - boasting a whopping 35,000 square meters of space and a direct connection to public transportation.
No Displacement of Department Store
"Alexanderplatz might have its problems, but it also has immense potential," Fansa clarifies. A library there could anchor education, culture, and even contribute to social stability. "We'd attract a diverse range of people from all over town." Fansa underscored their focus on maintaining the department store: "We're not looking to displace it. It appears, however, that there's an idea to keep it humming in a smaller format," Fansa mentions, expressing his desire for political backing.
A Buddie in Deputy Mayor Sarah Wedl-Wilson
Wedl-Wilson, Berlin's new Culture Senator, has been a library's ally through and through. Fansa recalls her unwavering support during their conversations. "However, she emphasizes that the project of relocating hasn't been funded yet," Wedl-Wilson shares. Moreover, she encouraged a Senate united for such a significant project at a central location.
Location, Location, Location!
A central location is Fansa's top priority. "With the infrastructure we have today, we can't showcase or perform what a public central library can do in cities like Oslo, Helsinki, or Amsterdam," Fansa shares his thoughts. A central location is vital for reorganizing library work, as Fansa states.
Libraries Beyond Books
For Fansa, libraries should no longer be limited to quiet reading rooms: "In Oslo or Helsinki, you'll find Makerspaces, IT labs, kitchens, music rooms - libraries are cultural exchange platforms." During a time when the younger generation is demanding innovation, Fansa highlights the significance of engaging with them. "I see countless teenagers who freely come to us to learn and support each other. This demographic is our future," Fansa continues, emphasizing the importance of providing spaces young people can't find elsewhere - spaces that are free, open, and inspiring.
Libraries as Hubs of Exchange and Innovation
Libraries in the Scandinavian countries have become forums where societal debates can unfold. "We're trying to embrace this concept at the Central and Regional Library, given our resources," Fansa confesses. Behind the Amerika-Gedenkbibliothek, they've established a temporary structure, offering 800 square meters of space for events, workshops, and even public coworking areas. "Yet we're still struggling" - with limited financial resources and cuts in staff, restricting the growth of the library system.
The Sunken Treasure - Amerika-Gedenkbibliothek
The condition of the ZLB branches is worrisome for Fansa. The Amerika-Gedenkbibliothek, built in the 1950s for 500 visitors daily, now accommodates up to 3,500. "The building's overused," he claims. The situation in Breiten Straße is even more precarious: "A patchwork of various buildings, hastily converted into a library." Renovation costs are estimated at 600 million euros, yet this doesn't address the issue of the split locations.
- Alexanderplatz
- Central Library
- Oslo
- Helsinki
- Amsterdam
- Exchange
- Berlin
- Education
- Sarah Wedl-Wilson
- Future
- Innovation
Insights:
Modern Libraries as Cultural Exchanges
Today's successful libraries have gone beyond being quiet reading spaces. Many now feature integrated workspaces such as makerspaces, IT labs, and more, fostering creativity, cultural techniques, and social exchange. The vision for the Central and Regional Library Berlin at Alexanderplatz could encompass:
- Innovative Spaces: Makerspaces, IT labs, and kitchen spaces to promote learning and innovation.
- Cultural Activities: Music rooms or performance spaces to engage the community in culture and arts.
- Community Engagement: Serving as platforms for cultural exchange by hosting workshops, events, and community programs.
Embracing such diverse spaces can turn the Central and Regional Library Berlin at Alexanderplatz into an attractive, engaging hub that serves both educational and community needs, mirroring successful libraries worldwide.
- The new chief of Central and Regional Library Berlin, Jonas Fansa, envisions a revitalized library at Alexanderplatz as a cultural exchange platform, offering spaces for makerspaces, IT labs, kitchens, and music rooms.
- Sarah Wedl-Wilson, Berlin's Deputy Mayor and Culture Senator, has been supportive of the library's project and encourages unity among the Senate for such an impactful undertaking.
- Looking towards Scandinavian examples like Oslo and Helsinki, Fansa wants to transform the Central and Regional Library Berlin into a hub for social and cultural exchange, fostering education and innovation.
- A relocation to Alexanderplatz could position the library as a central element of the local community, attracting diverse people from around the city and creating a space for open dialogue, collaboration, and learning.
