Service

Who has access to the Staatsbibliothek?

Items in reading rooms and information sections are for general use. Anyone over the age of 18 can apply for a library pass with borrowing privileges. Prices are as follows:

  • Monthly ticket € 10
  • Annual ticket € 25

Applicants are requested to present a personal identity card

  • Unter den Linden, Registration, 2nd floor at the book issue point or
  • Potsdamer Straße, Lending Department, ground floor

The library card entitles you to use all the library facilities and view items in the library reading rooms. For outside loans, European Union citizens must be resident in Germany. Non-EU citizens should bring the following documents with them to the registration point:

  • an official form of identity (e.g. passport)
    For outside loans in addition:
  • police registration document and
  • a residence permit valid for a further three months at least, or proof of registration at a German university

Before entering the reading rooms, all bags and coats should be left either in a locker or the cloakroom. Day and long-term lockers are available.
For further information on visitors' rights and responsibilities, please consult the library's regulations on fees and usage (Benutzungs- und Gebührenordnung).

How do I get photocopies?

The General Reading Rooms have photocopiers for personal use. But some books are too old and fragile for the photocopiers – these are marked with a red stripe.
You can also make paper photocopies of microfilms and microfiches. In cases where photocopying is not permitted, the Staatsbibliothek runs its own reproduction service. Commissions for photos, microfilm copies and photocopies are taken in the General Reading Rooms. For prices, please consult our list of charges.

What other services does the Staatsbibliothek offer?

You can find out about all the library's facilities and services either personally or by telephone in the information sections (Unter den Linden, 1st floor, Tel. +49 30 266 433522, Potsdamer Straße, 2nd floor, Tel. +49 30 266 432333).
The information sections can also help you with bibliographical research, CD-ROM research, information about the holdings of other libraries both in Germany and abroad, and ordering items from other libraries as part of the German and international inter-library loan system. Staff here can also give you details of document delivery services such as subito.

Introduction to accessing the Library

  • Potsdamer Straße
    Registration: in person at the admission control, by phone +49 30 266 433947 (individuals) or +49 30 266 432333 (groups)
  • Unter den Linden
    On every last Wednesday of the month at 11am, meet at the reception desk, no advance registration required

Information

  • Catalogues
    Unter den Linden, phone +49 30 266 433522
    Potsdamer Straße, phone +49 30 266 433555
  • Loans
    Unter den Linden, issue desk, phone +49 30 266 433835
    Potsdamer Straße, Lending Department, phone +49 30 266 433999

Opening hours

Unter den Linden

General Reading Rooms: Mo-Fr 9am-9pm Sa 9am-5pm
Registration: Mo-Fr 9am-6pm Sa 9am-1pm
External loans/Pickup area: Mo-Fr 10am-6pm Sa 10am-1pm
Issue desk/Book issue desk in reading rooms: Mo-Fr 9am-9pm Sa 9am-5pm
Information area: Mo-Fr 9am-9pm Sa 9am-5pm

Potsdamer Straße

General Reading Room: Mo-Fr 9am-9pm Sa 9am-7pm
Catalogue centre: Mo-Fr 9am-7pm Sa 9am-4pm
Lending Department/Registration: Mo-Fr 10am-7pm Sa 10am-1pm
External loans/Pickup area: Mo-Fr 10am-7pm Sa 10am-1pm

Please consult information leaflets in the relevant departments for special reading room opening hours.