Cologne Public Library recommends

Cologne City Library stands for ‘inspiration, information, interaction and integration’. With around 2.4 million visitors a year, it is Cologne's most popular cultural institution and serves the educational, informational, communication and leisure needs of all the city's residents. In addition to the departments located in the central library, the Cologne City Library system comprises eleven branches, a mobile library and several special facilities. In addition, there are a large number of users from the region and neighbouring countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg). Since 1979, the library system's headquarters have been located in the cultural quarter in the immediate vicinity of the city centre, near Neumarkt. The central library has been closed since June 2024 due to a general renovation. An interim location has been set up on Cologne's Hohe Straße pedestrian zone. The interim location of the central library, the bus library, eleven district libraries, the language room, the literature archives and the minibib offer a high-quality and up-to-date variety of media, modern technical equipment, a diverse programme of events and attractive premises that invite visitors to linger. Together with a comprehensive digital offering, we are thus creating an excellent development and educational opportunity for all age groups and walks of life to participate in social and professional life. The media available for loan includes computer games, films, musical instruments, cycling and hiking maps, VR glasses and Tonies, which are so popular with children. But e-media, databases, language learning programmes, streaming services for films and music, and intensive customer communication on social networks are also a natural part of the portfolio. The ten films from Cologne: Blau ist eine warme Farbe Der geheime Roman des Monsieur Pick Die fabelhafte Reise der Marona Flussfahrt mit Huhn Ich bin dein Mensch Kochen ist Chefsache Silver Linings Systemsprenger The Square Thilda und die beste Band der Welt (Note: Some of the selected films are not available in all countries.)