Central Library

Hollestraße 3 (Gildehof)
45127 Essen

Postal address
Postfach 10 36 62
45036 Essen
E-Mail: info@stadtbibliothek.essen.de

Opening times
WeekdayTime
Monday3.00 pm – 7.00 pm
Tuesday11.00 am – 7.00 pm
Wednesday11.00 am – 7.00 pm
Thursday11.00 am – 7.00 pm
Friday 11.00 am – 7.00 pm
Saturday11.00 am – 3.00 pm

Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve closed – not closed during school holidays!

Important telephone numbers(code 0201)
Central information88 42 419 / 20 / 21
Music library88 42 422
Children’s library88 42 423
Borrowing, loan extensions88 42 425 / 426
Information, reminders88 42 201 / 202

The Central Library is directly by the main train station (town centre exit) between the Haus der Technik and the Gildehofhochhaus – unmistakable with its coloured entrance pavilion and glass domed gallery.

The Central Library, in association with the departments
– Children’s library
– Music library,
forms an outstanding information and communication centre.

Available items

Approximately 320,000 books, trade magazines, audio books, DVDs (films and documentaries), CD-ROM, sheet music, educational and board games, PC and console games freely accessible across two floors with a total area of 6,000 m² and approx. 225,000 volumes of magazines.

  • Special collection: "A-levels, job, studies"
  • Collection of free brochures/leaflets with guides on current legal and socio-political topics as well as consumer and health tips
  • Newspaper and newspaper reading area with current daily and weekly newspapers and approximately 100 popular magazines
  • Special items available for schools and kindergarten

Further services

  • 9 internet workspaces for personal internet research and catalogue and database research
  • 4 group work rooms for quiet work/study
  • 1 nappy changing room for babies and toddlers
  • Tours for individuals, groups and school classes
  • Varied event programme for children, teenagers and adults
  • Flea market – second hand items for a great price

Parking

Parking is available in the Gildehof-Center underground car park. Further information available here.