Library Award Goes to Hoyerswerda

The Brigitte Reimann City Library in Hoyerswerda has been awarded a national prize. By naming it “Library of the Year in Small Municipalities and Regions,” the jury recognized its strategic concept, which is based on four key areas: democracy, education, sustainability, and participation, according to the German Library Association (DBV). The prize, worth 7,000 euros, has been awarded since 2020.

A Model of Future-Oriented Library Work in Hoyerswerda

“At a time when trust in politics and democratic structures is waning, the Hoyerswerda City Library combines education, culture, and social participation in an outstanding way and makes democracy a tangible part of everyday life,” said Antje Theise, federal chair of the DBV and jury member, according to the press release. “With its strategically anchored work to promote democracy, its consistently participatory approach, and its exceptional networking, it creates a model of forward-looking library work that is noteworthy nationwide and can be replicated elsewhere.”

The “Library of the Year” Grand Prize Goes to Cologne

The DBV honors innovative and forward-looking libraries once a year. The winners are selected by a jury comprising representatives from the association, the Federal Ministry of Education, the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, the German Association of Cities, and the umbrella organization Bibliothek & Information Deutschland.

The “Library of the Year” grand prize goes to Cologne’s ZB MED – Information Center for Life Sciences. The award is endowed with 20,000 euros and honors libraries of all types and sizes. A total of 87 libraries applied for the two awards this year.