Gera
Puschkinpl. 7a, 07545 Gera, Deutschland
City and Regional Library Gera | Opening Hours & Services
The City and Regional Library Gera is much more than a classic place to borrow books. Located at Puschkinplatz 7a, it combines the role of a modern public library with the charm of a well-established cultural and learning space in the city center. Those looking for opening hours, address, media offerings, events, or digital services will find a library here with a clear structure and astonishing diversity. The institution sees itself as a meeting point for all generations, a learning place for school, study, and everyday life, as well as an experience space where analog media, digital offerings, and personal advice come together. This is reflected not only in the wide range of holdings but also in the services, event formats, and the long history of the library, which dates back to 1920. Current figures underscore this development: The library operates with around 122,000 physical media, more than 134,000 eMedia, numerous events, and a large number of active users. Thus, it is a significant component of the educational and cultural life in Gera. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/die_bibliothek))
Opening Hours and Visitor Services at Puschkinplatz
For many interested parties, the search for the City and Regional Library Gera begins with the opening hours. Right here, the library provides reliable and clearly communicated information. The official ISIL directory states that the main branch at Puschkinplatz is open on Monday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The library's own FAQ page also explicitly refers to the current opening hours page, so visitors can check for up-to-date changes or special notices directly. This is practical for planning a visit because the library offers a fixed rhythm but always transparently refers to its live information. Contact details are also easy to find: The main branch can be reached by phone at 0365 838 3378, and the general contact address bibliothek@gera.de is also provided. For users, this means: Anyone who wants to quickly check whether the library is open or whether the desired service is currently available can orient themselves quickly and without detours. ([isil.staatsbibliothek-berlin.de](https://isil.staatsbibliothek-berlin.de/suche/?isil=DE-140))
The visitor service is intentionally designed to be easily accessible. The official pages describe the main branch as a place that should be versatile, informative, and entertaining. This is reflected in the combination of classic borrowing, advice, research assistance, and digital access. Those who are members or want to become members can handle many processes easily: The library offers an online catalog with user accounts, reservation functions, and other self-service options. Personal contact is also important for inquiries, as the website repeatedly refers to phone, email, and service desks as direct points of contact. This is especially valuable for families, older visitors, or people who use the library not just as a borrowing location but as a learning and working space. This creates a place where opening hours are not just pure times but part of an accessible service promise. The library thus creates a reliable framework for everyday life and at the same time a pleasant reason to return again and again. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/-/bibliothek-am-puschkinplatz))
Media Offerings, Online Lending, and Digital Services
The media offerings of the City and Regional Library Gera are exceptionally broad and clearly aimed at different target groups. On the offerings page, the library lists around 140,000 media to choose from, along with an online catalog and user accounts, online lending, borrowable eBook readers, PressReader for digital newspapers and magazines, daily newspapers, magazines, and a wide range of classic and modern media. Particularly striking is the mix of literature, everyday utility, and leisure offerings: novels, non-fiction books, children's and youth literature, regional literature about Gera and Thuringia, audiobooks, Tonies, Edurino, Kekze, feature films, documentaries, music CDs, music DVDs, sheet music, LP collections, foreign language literature, board games, console games, and the so-called library of things. This diversity is not just a selection but a clear signal: The library does not see media as a rigid collection but as a tool for education, entertainment, family life, and digital participation. The offerings are complemented by Wi-Fi in all rooms, internet access, and workspaces with PCs, scanners, copying, and fax facilities. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/-/angeb-2))
Especially the digital services make the library particularly relevant in everyday life. With online lending, eMedia can be downloaded, digital newspapers and magazines are available via PressReader, and the FAQ explains that internet usage is free for registered users. Those who are not registered can still use digital work opportunities on-site with a day pass. For learners, researchers, and professionals, it is also important that the library provides a variety of differently equipped workspaces. These include internet-capable PC workstations, an A3 color printer, copiers, scanners, fax machines, and reading workspaces with lamps and power outlets. The City and Regional Library Gera thus combines classic library competence with modern infrastructure. This is particularly attractive for people who want to work concentrated but do not want to miss out on advice, research opportunities, or a quiet public space. The possibility of borrowing eReaders or game consoles also shows how flexibly the library responds to today's usage habits. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/-/angeb-2))
Events, Readings, and Participation Offers
A central search topic around the City and Regional Library Gera is events, and the library is very active in this area. On the official events page, it lists a diverse program of readings and book discussions, musical programs, lectures, event series, and children's events. This is important because the library goes far beyond mere lending operations. It acts as a cultural venue where literature is not only managed but conveyed in a lively manner. The long figures from library statistics confirm this: For the year 2025, 550 events with 11,000 visitors are mentioned. This already shows that the library plays a real role in the everyday life of the city and does not just fulfill a quiet background function. Those looking for a program for children, families, or adults will therefore find not just individual dates but a continuous event work that runs throughout the year. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/veranstaltungen))
Particularly exciting is how broadly the library sets up its formats. On the official pages, alongside classic events, participation offers for everyone, media education offerings, and projects for school classes and groups are presented. For students from the 5th grade onwards, there are formats on research, scientific work, source work, project and seminar topics, as well as media education offerings on topics such as cyberbullying, fake news, data protection, and AI. This makes the library a practical learning partner for school and training. At the same time, the DigitalBar complements this programming in a very concrete way: Visitors can digitize analog media such as photos, slides, videos, records, or cassette tapes independently on Tuesdays by appointment and utilize a digital consultation if needed. The combination of culture, media competence, and practical help is a real competitive advantage. It shows that the library not only provides books but also supports people in dealing with information, memories, and digital technology. For a city library, this is a modern profile with high everyday utility. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/-/wissen-lernen-entdecken?utm_source=openai))
Children's Library, Youth Library, and Learning Spaces
Those searching for the City and Regional Library Gera with children or teenagers will quickly encounter several clearly defined areas. According to the official page, the main branch at Puschkinplatz is divided into an adult library, children's library, youth library, music library, GeraTHek, and Technothek with DigitalBar. This structure is not only organizationally practical but also content-wise sensible, as it addresses different age groups and interests separately but under one roof. The children's library is particularly historically and content-wise well-established. As early as 1922, there was a reading room for children, and in 1957, a children's library was opened in the Tonhalle at Puschkinplatz. Today, the institution continues this focus with current offerings, child-friendly media selection, and formats for families. Children's and youth literature is considered a core collection according to the offerings, supplemented by Tonies, audiobooks, games, and other media-related formats. This creates a space where reading is not isolated but conveyed as part of a lively media experience. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/-/bibliothek-am-puschkinplatz))
The youth library is also much more than just a shelf with young titles. Its opening in 2008 is mentioned in the chronicle, and its current self-presentation connects it with keywords like chilling, gaming, learning, and reading. This mix makes it relevant for young people looking for a casual yet functional place. This is complemented by the learning and working spaces in the library, which are explicitly described in the FAQ as diverse and differently equipped. There are internet-capable PC workstations, printing technology, and aids for research and concentration available. The ability to extend, pre-order, or reserve media in the online catalog is also important for students, learners, and families. Additionally, the library offers memberships from the age of six, and children up to 18 years can read for free. This lowers barriers and strengthens the bond to the location early on. Thus, the City and Regional Library Gera becomes a place where education and leisure are not thought of separately but function together. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/-/bibliothek-am-puschkinplatz))
Access, Parking, and Location in Gera's City Center
The location of the City and Regional Library Gera at Puschkinplatz is a clear advantage for visitors because it is situated in the middle of the city and thus in a well-accessible environment. For travel by car, the city of Gera generally refers to the city center parking options. The municipal parking page mentions, among others, the Gera Arcaden parking garage, the city center parking garage, the market/rathaus parking garage, and the parking lot at the market. Those who orient themselves in advance quickly recognize that the library is embedded in an urban environment where one can combine the visit with shopping, errands, or a city walk. The fact that Puschkinplatz itself is one of the historical squares of the city further emphasizes the central character of the location. The official city page for access also lists the city center stops and describes Gera as a place that is easily accessible via train and public transport. For the library, this means: It is not an isolated institution on the outskirts but part of an urban network of paths, squares, and gathering spaces. ([gera.de](https://www.gera.de/leben-in-gera/mobilitaet-verkehr-rad/parkplaetze?utm_source=openai))
It is also practical that the library combines several contact and service levels in its public representation. Anyone with a question about access, opening hours, or attending events will find phone numbers, email addresses, and references to service areas on the official pages. This is important because a central location alone does not guarantee a good arrival; only clear communication makes the visit comfortable. Especially in a building with multiple areas, digital offerings, and different target groups, orientation is central. The city center location allows for spontaneous visits as well as planned appointments, such as for borrowing, returning, digital consultations, or events. The combination of the address at Puschkinplatz, municipal parking infrastructure, and good integration into public transport makes the library practical for many people. Those traveling without a car benefit from the central location just as much as drivers who want to use a parking garage or parking space in the city center. This creates a location that combines cultural reach with practical accessibility. ([gera.de](https://www.gera.de/leben-in-gera/mobilitaet-verkehr-rad/parkplaetze?utm_source=openai))
History, Figures, and Special Features of the Library
The history of the City and Regional Library Gera is a crucial part of its identity. The official chronicle begins in 1920 with the founding of the Free Public State Library Gera in the Münch Villa at Goethestraße 1a. Early on, further development steps were added: a children's reading room in 1922, music literature in 1926, the resumption of operations after the war under the name Thuringian State Library, later various renamings, and finally in 1993 the current designation City and Regional Library Gera. Particularly important for the current location was the move of the main library to Puschkinplatz in 1972. This established the place where reading, learning, and working takes place today over decades. The chronicle also shows how strongly the library has evolved with technical and content-related changes: cataloging, computerization, online lending, Wi-Fi, RFID, PressReader, library of things, and DigitalBar are visible milestones of this development. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/-/chron-1))
The current figures make this development tangible. As of December 31, 2025, the library reports around 122,000 physical media, in addition to more than 134,000 eMedia and about 8,100 registered users. There are also around 660,000 loans, about 164,000 visitors, 550 events with 11,000 participants, and more than 2,700 opening hours. Such figures are not just statistics but a strong indication of how intensively the building is used. The structure of the holdings is also remarkable: books, children's books, games, electronic games, films, magazines, audiobooks, and sheet music together form a versatile profile. In addition, there are regional collections on Gera and Thuringia, as well as thematic focuses that underline the character of a regional library. The library is thus a place where tradition and present come together. It operates with a long history, but it clearly aligns with today's needs such as digital access, family-friendliness, educational opportunities, and cultural participation. This mix makes it so valuable for Gera. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/bibliothek-in-zahlen))
Sources:
- City and Regional Library Gera - Library at Puschkinplatz
- City and Regional Library Gera - Offerings
- City and Regional Library Gera - FAQ
- City and Regional Library Gera - Library in Numbers
- City and Regional Library Gera - Milestones of Our Library History
- German ISIL Agency - City and Regional Library Gera
- City of Gera - Parking
- City of Gera - Access
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City and Regional Library Gera | Opening Hours & Services
The City and Regional Library Gera is much more than a classic place to borrow books. Located at Puschkinplatz 7a, it combines the role of a modern public library with the charm of a well-established cultural and learning space in the city center. Those looking for opening hours, address, media offerings, events, or digital services will find a library here with a clear structure and astonishing diversity. The institution sees itself as a meeting point for all generations, a learning place for school, study, and everyday life, as well as an experience space where analog media, digital offerings, and personal advice come together. This is reflected not only in the wide range of holdings but also in the services, event formats, and the long history of the library, which dates back to 1920. Current figures underscore this development: The library operates with around 122,000 physical media, more than 134,000 eMedia, numerous events, and a large number of active users. Thus, it is a significant component of the educational and cultural life in Gera. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/die_bibliothek))
Opening Hours and Visitor Services at Puschkinplatz
For many interested parties, the search for the City and Regional Library Gera begins with the opening hours. Right here, the library provides reliable and clearly communicated information. The official ISIL directory states that the main branch at Puschkinplatz is open on Monday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The library's own FAQ page also explicitly refers to the current opening hours page, so visitors can check for up-to-date changes or special notices directly. This is practical for planning a visit because the library offers a fixed rhythm but always transparently refers to its live information. Contact details are also easy to find: The main branch can be reached by phone at 0365 838 3378, and the general contact address bibliothek@gera.de is also provided. For users, this means: Anyone who wants to quickly check whether the library is open or whether the desired service is currently available can orient themselves quickly and without detours. ([isil.staatsbibliothek-berlin.de](https://isil.staatsbibliothek-berlin.de/suche/?isil=DE-140))
The visitor service is intentionally designed to be easily accessible. The official pages describe the main branch as a place that should be versatile, informative, and entertaining. This is reflected in the combination of classic borrowing, advice, research assistance, and digital access. Those who are members or want to become members can handle many processes easily: The library offers an online catalog with user accounts, reservation functions, and other self-service options. Personal contact is also important for inquiries, as the website repeatedly refers to phone, email, and service desks as direct points of contact. This is especially valuable for families, older visitors, or people who use the library not just as a borrowing location but as a learning and working space. This creates a place where opening hours are not just pure times but part of an accessible service promise. The library thus creates a reliable framework for everyday life and at the same time a pleasant reason to return again and again. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/-/bibliothek-am-puschkinplatz))
Media Offerings, Online Lending, and Digital Services
The media offerings of the City and Regional Library Gera are exceptionally broad and clearly aimed at different target groups. On the offerings page, the library lists around 140,000 media to choose from, along with an online catalog and user accounts, online lending, borrowable eBook readers, PressReader for digital newspapers and magazines, daily newspapers, magazines, and a wide range of classic and modern media. Particularly striking is the mix of literature, everyday utility, and leisure offerings: novels, non-fiction books, children's and youth literature, regional literature about Gera and Thuringia, audiobooks, Tonies, Edurino, Kekze, feature films, documentaries, music CDs, music DVDs, sheet music, LP collections, foreign language literature, board games, console games, and the so-called library of things. This diversity is not just a selection but a clear signal: The library does not see media as a rigid collection but as a tool for education, entertainment, family life, and digital participation. The offerings are complemented by Wi-Fi in all rooms, internet access, and workspaces with PCs, scanners, copying, and fax facilities. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/-/angeb-2))
Especially the digital services make the library particularly relevant in everyday life. With online lending, eMedia can be downloaded, digital newspapers and magazines are available via PressReader, and the FAQ explains that internet usage is free for registered users. Those who are not registered can still use digital work opportunities on-site with a day pass. For learners, researchers, and professionals, it is also important that the library provides a variety of differently equipped workspaces. These include internet-capable PC workstations, an A3 color printer, copiers, scanners, fax machines, and reading workspaces with lamps and power outlets. The City and Regional Library Gera thus combines classic library competence with modern infrastructure. This is particularly attractive for people who want to work concentrated but do not want to miss out on advice, research opportunities, or a quiet public space. The possibility of borrowing eReaders or game consoles also shows how flexibly the library responds to today's usage habits. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/-/angeb-2))
Events, Readings, and Participation Offers
A central search topic around the City and Regional Library Gera is events, and the library is very active in this area. On the official events page, it lists a diverse program of readings and book discussions, musical programs, lectures, event series, and children's events. This is important because the library goes far beyond mere lending operations. It acts as a cultural venue where literature is not only managed but conveyed in a lively manner. The long figures from library statistics confirm this: For the year 2025, 550 events with 11,000 visitors are mentioned. This already shows that the library plays a real role in the everyday life of the city and does not just fulfill a quiet background function. Those looking for a program for children, families, or adults will therefore find not just individual dates but a continuous event work that runs throughout the year. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/veranstaltungen))
Particularly exciting is how broadly the library sets up its formats. On the official pages, alongside classic events, participation offers for everyone, media education offerings, and projects for school classes and groups are presented. For students from the 5th grade onwards, there are formats on research, scientific work, source work, project and seminar topics, as well as media education offerings on topics such as cyberbullying, fake news, data protection, and AI. This makes the library a practical learning partner for school and training. At the same time, the DigitalBar complements this programming in a very concrete way: Visitors can digitize analog media such as photos, slides, videos, records, or cassette tapes independently on Tuesdays by appointment and utilize a digital consultation if needed. The combination of culture, media competence, and practical help is a real competitive advantage. It shows that the library not only provides books but also supports people in dealing with information, memories, and digital technology. For a city library, this is a modern profile with high everyday utility. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/-/wissen-lernen-entdecken?utm_source=openai))
Children's Library, Youth Library, and Learning Spaces
Those searching for the City and Regional Library Gera with children or teenagers will quickly encounter several clearly defined areas. According to the official page, the main branch at Puschkinplatz is divided into an adult library, children's library, youth library, music library, GeraTHek, and Technothek with DigitalBar. This structure is not only organizationally practical but also content-wise sensible, as it addresses different age groups and interests separately but under one roof. The children's library is particularly historically and content-wise well-established. As early as 1922, there was a reading room for children, and in 1957, a children's library was opened in the Tonhalle at Puschkinplatz. Today, the institution continues this focus with current offerings, child-friendly media selection, and formats for families. Children's and youth literature is considered a core collection according to the offerings, supplemented by Tonies, audiobooks, games, and other media-related formats. This creates a space where reading is not isolated but conveyed as part of a lively media experience. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/-/bibliothek-am-puschkinplatz))
The youth library is also much more than just a shelf with young titles. Its opening in 2008 is mentioned in the chronicle, and its current self-presentation connects it with keywords like chilling, gaming, learning, and reading. This mix makes it relevant for young people looking for a casual yet functional place. This is complemented by the learning and working spaces in the library, which are explicitly described in the FAQ as diverse and differently equipped. There are internet-capable PC workstations, printing technology, and aids for research and concentration available. The ability to extend, pre-order, or reserve media in the online catalog is also important for students, learners, and families. Additionally, the library offers memberships from the age of six, and children up to 18 years can read for free. This lowers barriers and strengthens the bond to the location early on. Thus, the City and Regional Library Gera becomes a place where education and leisure are not thought of separately but function together. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/-/bibliothek-am-puschkinplatz))
Access, Parking, and Location in Gera's City Center
The location of the City and Regional Library Gera at Puschkinplatz is a clear advantage for visitors because it is situated in the middle of the city and thus in a well-accessible environment. For travel by car, the city of Gera generally refers to the city center parking options. The municipal parking page mentions, among others, the Gera Arcaden parking garage, the city center parking garage, the market/rathaus parking garage, and the parking lot at the market. Those who orient themselves in advance quickly recognize that the library is embedded in an urban environment where one can combine the visit with shopping, errands, or a city walk. The fact that Puschkinplatz itself is one of the historical squares of the city further emphasizes the central character of the location. The official city page for access also lists the city center stops and describes Gera as a place that is easily accessible via train and public transport. For the library, this means: It is not an isolated institution on the outskirts but part of an urban network of paths, squares, and gathering spaces. ([gera.de](https://www.gera.de/leben-in-gera/mobilitaet-verkehr-rad/parkplaetze?utm_source=openai))
It is also practical that the library combines several contact and service levels in its public representation. Anyone with a question about access, opening hours, or attending events will find phone numbers, email addresses, and references to service areas on the official pages. This is important because a central location alone does not guarantee a good arrival; only clear communication makes the visit comfortable. Especially in a building with multiple areas, digital offerings, and different target groups, orientation is central. The city center location allows for spontaneous visits as well as planned appointments, such as for borrowing, returning, digital consultations, or events. The combination of the address at Puschkinplatz, municipal parking infrastructure, and good integration into public transport makes the library practical for many people. Those traveling without a car benefit from the central location just as much as drivers who want to use a parking garage or parking space in the city center. This creates a location that combines cultural reach with practical accessibility. ([gera.de](https://www.gera.de/leben-in-gera/mobilitaet-verkehr-rad/parkplaetze?utm_source=openai))
History, Figures, and Special Features of the Library
The history of the City and Regional Library Gera is a crucial part of its identity. The official chronicle begins in 1920 with the founding of the Free Public State Library Gera in the Münch Villa at Goethestraße 1a. Early on, further development steps were added: a children's reading room in 1922, music literature in 1926, the resumption of operations after the war under the name Thuringian State Library, later various renamings, and finally in 1993 the current designation City and Regional Library Gera. Particularly important for the current location was the move of the main library to Puschkinplatz in 1972. This established the place where reading, learning, and working takes place today over decades. The chronicle also shows how strongly the library has evolved with technical and content-related changes: cataloging, computerization, online lending, Wi-Fi, RFID, PressReader, library of things, and DigitalBar are visible milestones of this development. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/-/chron-1))
The current figures make this development tangible. As of December 31, 2025, the library reports around 122,000 physical media, in addition to more than 134,000 eMedia and about 8,100 registered users. There are also around 660,000 loans, about 164,000 visitors, 550 events with 11,000 participants, and more than 2,700 opening hours. Such figures are not just statistics but a strong indication of how intensively the building is used. The structure of the holdings is also remarkable: books, children's books, games, electronic games, films, magazines, audiobooks, and sheet music together form a versatile profile. In addition, there are regional collections on Gera and Thuringia, as well as thematic focuses that underline the character of a regional library. The library is thus a place where tradition and present come together. It operates with a long history, but it clearly aligns with today's needs such as digital access, family-friendliness, educational opportunities, and cultural participation. This mix makes it so valuable for Gera. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/bibliothek-in-zahlen))
Sources:
- City and Regional Library Gera - Library at Puschkinplatz
- City and Regional Library Gera - Offerings
- City and Regional Library Gera - FAQ
- City and Regional Library Gera - Library in Numbers
- City and Regional Library Gera - Milestones of Our Library History
- German ISIL Agency - City and Regional Library Gera
- City of Gera - Parking
- City of Gera - Access
City and Regional Library Gera | Opening Hours & Services
The City and Regional Library Gera is much more than a classic place to borrow books. Located at Puschkinplatz 7a, it combines the role of a modern public library with the charm of a well-established cultural and learning space in the city center. Those looking for opening hours, address, media offerings, events, or digital services will find a library here with a clear structure and astonishing diversity. The institution sees itself as a meeting point for all generations, a learning place for school, study, and everyday life, as well as an experience space where analog media, digital offerings, and personal advice come together. This is reflected not only in the wide range of holdings but also in the services, event formats, and the long history of the library, which dates back to 1920. Current figures underscore this development: The library operates with around 122,000 physical media, more than 134,000 eMedia, numerous events, and a large number of active users. Thus, it is a significant component of the educational and cultural life in Gera. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/die_bibliothek))
Opening Hours and Visitor Services at Puschkinplatz
For many interested parties, the search for the City and Regional Library Gera begins with the opening hours. Right here, the library provides reliable and clearly communicated information. The official ISIL directory states that the main branch at Puschkinplatz is open on Monday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The library's own FAQ page also explicitly refers to the current opening hours page, so visitors can check for up-to-date changes or special notices directly. This is practical for planning a visit because the library offers a fixed rhythm but always transparently refers to its live information. Contact details are also easy to find: The main branch can be reached by phone at 0365 838 3378, and the general contact address bibliothek@gera.de is also provided. For users, this means: Anyone who wants to quickly check whether the library is open or whether the desired service is currently available can orient themselves quickly and without detours. ([isil.staatsbibliothek-berlin.de](https://isil.staatsbibliothek-berlin.de/suche/?isil=DE-140))
The visitor service is intentionally designed to be easily accessible. The official pages describe the main branch as a place that should be versatile, informative, and entertaining. This is reflected in the combination of classic borrowing, advice, research assistance, and digital access. Those who are members or want to become members can handle many processes easily: The library offers an online catalog with user accounts, reservation functions, and other self-service options. Personal contact is also important for inquiries, as the website repeatedly refers to phone, email, and service desks as direct points of contact. This is especially valuable for families, older visitors, or people who use the library not just as a borrowing location but as a learning and working space. This creates a place where opening hours are not just pure times but part of an accessible service promise. The library thus creates a reliable framework for everyday life and at the same time a pleasant reason to return again and again. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/-/bibliothek-am-puschkinplatz))
Media Offerings, Online Lending, and Digital Services
The media offerings of the City and Regional Library Gera are exceptionally broad and clearly aimed at different target groups. On the offerings page, the library lists around 140,000 media to choose from, along with an online catalog and user accounts, online lending, borrowable eBook readers, PressReader for digital newspapers and magazines, daily newspapers, magazines, and a wide range of classic and modern media. Particularly striking is the mix of literature, everyday utility, and leisure offerings: novels, non-fiction books, children's and youth literature, regional literature about Gera and Thuringia, audiobooks, Tonies, Edurino, Kekze, feature films, documentaries, music CDs, music DVDs, sheet music, LP collections, foreign language literature, board games, console games, and the so-called library of things. This diversity is not just a selection but a clear signal: The library does not see media as a rigid collection but as a tool for education, entertainment, family life, and digital participation. The offerings are complemented by Wi-Fi in all rooms, internet access, and workspaces with PCs, scanners, copying, and fax facilities. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/-/angeb-2))
Especially the digital services make the library particularly relevant in everyday life. With online lending, eMedia can be downloaded, digital newspapers and magazines are available via PressReader, and the FAQ explains that internet usage is free for registered users. Those who are not registered can still use digital work opportunities on-site with a day pass. For learners, researchers, and professionals, it is also important that the library provides a variety of differently equipped workspaces. These include internet-capable PC workstations, an A3 color printer, copiers, scanners, fax machines, and reading workspaces with lamps and power outlets. The City and Regional Library Gera thus combines classic library competence with modern infrastructure. This is particularly attractive for people who want to work concentrated but do not want to miss out on advice, research opportunities, or a quiet public space. The possibility of borrowing eReaders or game consoles also shows how flexibly the library responds to today's usage habits. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/-/angeb-2))
Events, Readings, and Participation Offers
A central search topic around the City and Regional Library Gera is events, and the library is very active in this area. On the official events page, it lists a diverse program of readings and book discussions, musical programs, lectures, event series, and children's events. This is important because the library goes far beyond mere lending operations. It acts as a cultural venue where literature is not only managed but conveyed in a lively manner. The long figures from library statistics confirm this: For the year 2025, 550 events with 11,000 visitors are mentioned. This already shows that the library plays a real role in the everyday life of the city and does not just fulfill a quiet background function. Those looking for a program for children, families, or adults will therefore find not just individual dates but a continuous event work that runs throughout the year. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/veranstaltungen))
Particularly exciting is how broadly the library sets up its formats. On the official pages, alongside classic events, participation offers for everyone, media education offerings, and projects for school classes and groups are presented. For students from the 5th grade onwards, there are formats on research, scientific work, source work, project and seminar topics, as well as media education offerings on topics such as cyberbullying, fake news, data protection, and AI. This makes the library a practical learning partner for school and training. At the same time, the DigitalBar complements this programming in a very concrete way: Visitors can digitize analog media such as photos, slides, videos, records, or cassette tapes independently on Tuesdays by appointment and utilize a digital consultation if needed. The combination of culture, media competence, and practical help is a real competitive advantage. It shows that the library not only provides books but also supports people in dealing with information, memories, and digital technology. For a city library, this is a modern profile with high everyday utility. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/-/wissen-lernen-entdecken?utm_source=openai))
Children's Library, Youth Library, and Learning Spaces
Those searching for the City and Regional Library Gera with children or teenagers will quickly encounter several clearly defined areas. According to the official page, the main branch at Puschkinplatz is divided into an adult library, children's library, youth library, music library, GeraTHek, and Technothek with DigitalBar. This structure is not only organizationally practical but also content-wise sensible, as it addresses different age groups and interests separately but under one roof. The children's library is particularly historically and content-wise well-established. As early as 1922, there was a reading room for children, and in 1957, a children's library was opened in the Tonhalle at Puschkinplatz. Today, the institution continues this focus with current offerings, child-friendly media selection, and formats for families. Children's and youth literature is considered a core collection according to the offerings, supplemented by Tonies, audiobooks, games, and other media-related formats. This creates a space where reading is not isolated but conveyed as part of a lively media experience. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/-/bibliothek-am-puschkinplatz))
The youth library is also much more than just a shelf with young titles. Its opening in 2008 is mentioned in the chronicle, and its current self-presentation connects it with keywords like chilling, gaming, learning, and reading. This mix makes it relevant for young people looking for a casual yet functional place. This is complemented by the learning and working spaces in the library, which are explicitly described in the FAQ as diverse and differently equipped. There are internet-capable PC workstations, printing technology, and aids for research and concentration available. The ability to extend, pre-order, or reserve media in the online catalog is also important for students, learners, and families. Additionally, the library offers memberships from the age of six, and children up to 18 years can read for free. This lowers barriers and strengthens the bond to the location early on. Thus, the City and Regional Library Gera becomes a place where education and leisure are not thought of separately but function together. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/-/bibliothek-am-puschkinplatz))
Access, Parking, and Location in Gera's City Center
The location of the City and Regional Library Gera at Puschkinplatz is a clear advantage for visitors because it is situated in the middle of the city and thus in a well-accessible environment. For travel by car, the city of Gera generally refers to the city center parking options. The municipal parking page mentions, among others, the Gera Arcaden parking garage, the city center parking garage, the market/rathaus parking garage, and the parking lot at the market. Those who orient themselves in advance quickly recognize that the library is embedded in an urban environment where one can combine the visit with shopping, errands, or a city walk. The fact that Puschkinplatz itself is one of the historical squares of the city further emphasizes the central character of the location. The official city page for access also lists the city center stops and describes Gera as a place that is easily accessible via train and public transport. For the library, this means: It is not an isolated institution on the outskirts but part of an urban network of paths, squares, and gathering spaces. ([gera.de](https://www.gera.de/leben-in-gera/mobilitaet-verkehr-rad/parkplaetze?utm_source=openai))
It is also practical that the library combines several contact and service levels in its public representation. Anyone with a question about access, opening hours, or attending events will find phone numbers, email addresses, and references to service areas on the official pages. This is important because a central location alone does not guarantee a good arrival; only clear communication makes the visit comfortable. Especially in a building with multiple areas, digital offerings, and different target groups, orientation is central. The city center location allows for spontaneous visits as well as planned appointments, such as for borrowing, returning, digital consultations, or events. The combination of the address at Puschkinplatz, municipal parking infrastructure, and good integration into public transport makes the library practical for many people. Those traveling without a car benefit from the central location just as much as drivers who want to use a parking garage or parking space in the city center. This creates a location that combines cultural reach with practical accessibility. ([gera.de](https://www.gera.de/leben-in-gera/mobilitaet-verkehr-rad/parkplaetze?utm_source=openai))
History, Figures, and Special Features of the Library
The history of the City and Regional Library Gera is a crucial part of its identity. The official chronicle begins in 1920 with the founding of the Free Public State Library Gera in the Münch Villa at Goethestraße 1a. Early on, further development steps were added: a children's reading room in 1922, music literature in 1926, the resumption of operations after the war under the name Thuringian State Library, later various renamings, and finally in 1993 the current designation City and Regional Library Gera. Particularly important for the current location was the move of the main library to Puschkinplatz in 1972. This established the place where reading, learning, and working takes place today over decades. The chronicle also shows how strongly the library has evolved with technical and content-related changes: cataloging, computerization, online lending, Wi-Fi, RFID, PressReader, library of things, and DigitalBar are visible milestones of this development. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/-/chron-1))
The current figures make this development tangible. As of December 31, 2025, the library reports around 122,000 physical media, in addition to more than 134,000 eMedia and about 8,100 registered users. There are also around 660,000 loans, about 164,000 visitors, 550 events with 11,000 participants, and more than 2,700 opening hours. Such figures are not just statistics but a strong indication of how intensively the building is used. The structure of the holdings is also remarkable: books, children's books, games, electronic games, films, magazines, audiobooks, and sheet music together form a versatile profile. In addition, there are regional collections on Gera and Thuringia, as well as thematic focuses that underline the character of a regional library. The library is thus a place where tradition and present come together. It operates with a long history, but it clearly aligns with today's needs such as digital access, family-friendliness, educational opportunities, and cultural participation. This mix makes it so valuable for Gera. ([biblio.gera.de](https://biblio.gera.de/bibliothek-in-zahlen))
Sources:
- City and Regional Library Gera - Library at Puschkinplatz
- City and Regional Library Gera - Offerings
- City and Regional Library Gera - FAQ
- City and Regional Library Gera - Library in Numbers
- City and Regional Library Gera - Milestones of Our Library History
- German ISIL Agency - City and Regional Library Gera
- City of Gera - Parking
- City of Gera - Access
Upcoming Events
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Reviews
Gilda Reinhold
19. December 2025
A staff member was very rude today and called me an old lady after I complained about her rude tone.
Peet
19. March 2025
No complaints! Huge selection of EVERYTHING, especially non-fiction. So many quiet spots, but also places to meet new people. Absolutely recommend as a study spot (There's also coffee for €1) It's not all bad just because it's in Gera;)
Manuela Scheffel
20. April 2024
As always, I found something, you never leave empty-handed 😄
Hermine Schmidt
3. May 2025
Great place. The only downside is the older, very unfriendly staff member with gray hair and glasses.
Undine Rothe
18. June 2024
I really enjoy this place in Gera, I always find good books or magazines and there are interesting events every now and then. Keep being so friendly and active.