Munich City Library joins November action month against loneliness

Munich City Library (Münchner Stadtbibliothek) is taking part in the action month "Together in the Library" this November, offering workshops, courses and meet-ups across the city aimed at bringing people together and tackling loneliness. The initiative, run with the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth and the German Library Association, encourages people to connect with others, strengthen community ties and talk openly about loneliness.

Dr Arne Ackermann, director of Munich City Library, said: "Especially in cities, where non-commercial public spaces are becoming ever scarcer, the social relevance of public libraries is steadily increasing. Because they serve as social infrastructure: they connect people across backgrounds and generations, so that diverse urban communities can grow. That is precisely why I continue to regard public libraries as the best remedy for loneliness, and I am delighted with our tremendous contributions to the action month." The library offers consumption-free and almost entirely free spaces for all Munich residents at more than 20 locations.

The programme includes open reading circles and book clubs for adults and children, in various languages and on different themes, as well as music and dance formats such as open singing, hip-hop workshops, jam sessions, choir groups, Community Dance and DanceOn60+, which require no previous experience. Games fans can join board game evenings, solve puzzles, play chess, take part in pub quizzes or play together on video game consoles, while creative sessions involve crafting, drawing, crocheting and folding.

Language learners can practise their skills at the library's language cafés, where participants chat in a relaxed atmosphere about any topic. According to the library, experience from previous years shows the language cafés have already led to many friendships.

For older residents, there are dedicated discussion groups. "Friendship Speed Dating 60+" offers a chance to meet new people, and the Storytelling Café invites senior citizens to share, over a cup of tea or coffee, the things that have moved them in their lives with others of their generation.

The full Munich City Library programme is available at www.muenchner-stadtbibliothek.de/veranstaltungen.