Library

The American Library in Karlsruhe

The American Library is a branch library of the Stadtbibliothek Karlsruhe (Karlsruhe Public Library System).


Information in English about the terms of use for the library can be found on the homepage of the Stadtbibliothek . Download the pdf document "Library Terms of Use" under Benutzungsordnung.

American Library in Karlsruhe /Library Information

The Library Offers (in English)

 

  • over 30,000 books (fiction, non-fiction, juvenile, reference, easy readers)
  • about 3000 DVDs and BluRay
  • over 1700 CDs (pop/rock, jazz, classical, country & western, etc.)
  • books on CD for kids, young adults and adults
  • 16 magazine subscriptions
  • 1 newspaper subscription
  • board games
  • information materials on studying, working, and interning in English-speaking countries
  • test preparation materials for the TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc.
  • free internet access (KA-WLAN and KA-sWLAN)
  • Nintendo DS & Switch, Wii, Wii U and PS4 and PS5 games
  • Tonies and Tonie Boxes
  • cultural events for adults and children
  • special services for English classes and teachers
  • library tours
American Library in Karlsruhe /Library Information

How to Get a Library Card

In order to check out media in the American Library, you need a library card from the Stadtbibliothek Karlsruhe. This card is valid at all branches (and the media bus) of the Karlsruhe Public Library system. You can also use it to check out digital media via Onleihe or OverDrive.


There are two ways to obtain a library card:

 

  • You apply for a Stadtbibliothek card at the American Library or any other branch of the Karlsruhe Public Library System.

 

or

 

  • You become a member of the Friends of the American Library Karlsruhe, which automatically entitles you to a Stadtbibliothek Karlsruhe library card. Please see Friends .

 


To obtain a Stadtbibliothek library card you need an ID (Personalausweis, EAT, passport or form from the Einwohnermeldeamt) with your German address.


The annual fee is:

 

  • €19.00* for adults
  • €12.50* for students, trainees, pensioners, and handicapped (with valid ID)
  • Free for kids under 18 years of age; €5.00/year to check out DVDs

 

Please come to the library with your ID and cash or EC card, and a volunteer or librarian will be happy to provide you with a library card.


*The fee for an annual membership in the Friends is €25 for adults and €12.50 for students.

American Library in Karlsruhe /Library Information

Library Catalog (OPAC)

OPAC is the search system for finding media in the entire Karlsruhe Public Library System.


The search can be refined by category of media (book, DVD, etc.) and branch library (e.g. Amerika.Bib.).


If your media is checked out, it is possible to make an online reservation by clicking on Vormerkung . You will need your user number ( Benutzernr. ) which is your 12-digit library card number (the number on the front of your library card) and your password ( Passwort ), which is your date of birth as DDMMYYYY.


If you reserve media it will be held for you at the branch library listed for approximately 10 days.


Please click here to open OPAC . A new page will open.

American Library in Karlsruhe /Library Information

How to Renew Books

Call the American Library during regular business hours and a volunteer or librarian can renew your books and media:   (0721) 7 27 52.


To renew your books online:

 

  • Log into your Stadtbibliothek Karlsruhe/OPAC account here.
  • Your Benutzernr. (user number) is your library card number (the number on the front side of your library card) and the Passwort (password) is your date of birth as DDMMYYYY or a password of your choice.
  • Click on "Anmelden."
  • The media you have checked out is listed in a table. The 7th column is Verlängern. You can renew all your media, or just one or two. In this list is stated how many more times you can renew the media. Be sure to click "Markierte verlängern" (renew marked items) or "Alle verlängern" (renew all media) at the bottom of the page.

 

Important:

 

  • Items reserved for others (vorgemerkt ) cannot be renewed.
  • If the item was correctly renewed, a green " Verlängert " will show up in the Verlängern column for your media.
  • If the maximum number of renewals has been reached (Nicht verlängerbar), then the media cannot be renewed.

American Library in Karlsruhe /Library Information

How to Return Books

 

  • Book checked out from the American Library must be returned to the American Library.

 



  • Books may be returned during regular opening hours (see below).

 



  • Our Book Drop is open when the library is closed. Media will be checked back on the next open day. The Book Drop is locked during the long summer break as well as during the shorter winter break.

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