Berlin passes new Library Act to secure cultural infrastructure

The Berlin House of Representatives has passed a new Library Act to strengthen the city’s cultural and social infrastructure. The law establishes a binding legal framework for the entire network of public libraries, ranging from the Central and State Library to district and neighborhood branches.

Under the new legislation, libraries are recognized as essential components of public services, serving as hubs for education, community interaction, and digital participation. The act introduces professional standards and population-based supply guidelines to ensure long-term, local access to services. Additionally, the law mandates cooperation between libraries and other educational institutions, such as schools and research facilities, while protecting the professional independence of library work. The mandate also explicitly includes promoting media literacy and digital sovereignty.