Hollestraße 3 (Gildehof)
45127 Essen
Postal address
Postfach 10 36 62
45036 Essen
E-Mail: info@stadtbibliothek.essen.de
June 2026: The Central Library is open during its regular hours.
However, due to the ongoing malfunction of the ventilation system, temperatures inside the building remain elevated. We therefore recommend that you limit your visits to the library to short stays for the time being.
Events are resuming as usual until further notice.
The closure of the Central Library, originally scheduled for 27 July 2026, has been brought forward due to the ongoing failure of the building's ventilation system. As a result, the Central Library will be closed to the public from Saturday, 11 July 2026. All events scheduled from that date onwards are cancelled.
The external book return will remain available until 25 July. Due dates for all borrowed items from all library locations will automatically be extended until November. The exact return date for your loans can be found in your online library account.
From 22 June 2026, the first members of staff will begin moving to the new location. If you experience any difficulty reaching us by phone during this period, please contact us by email instead.
Until the new Central Library is expected to open on 24 October 2026, visitors are welcome to use our 14 other library branches throughout the city.
| Weekday | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 3.00 pm – 7.00 pm |
| Tuesday | 11.00 am – 7.00 pm |
| Wednesday | 11.00 am – 7.00 pm |
| Thursday | 11.00 am – 7.00 pm |
| Friday | 11.00 am – 7.00 pm |
| Saturday | 11.00 am – 3.00 pm |
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve closed – not closed during school holidays!
| Important telephone numbers | (code 0201) |
|---|---|
| Central information | 88 42 419 / 20 |
| Music library | 88 42 422 |
| Children’s library | 88 42 423 |
| Borrowing, loan extensions | 88 42 425 / 426 |
| Information, reminders | 88 42 201 / 202 |
The Central Library is directly by the main train station (town centre exit) between the Haus der Technik and the Gildehofhochhaus – unmistakable with its coloured entrance pavilion and glass domed gallery.
The Central Library, in association with the departments
– Children’s library
– Music library,
forms an outstanding information and communication centre.
Approximately 320,000 books, trade magazines, audio books, DVDs (films and documentaries), CD-ROM, sheet music, educational and board games, PC and console games freely accessible across two floors with a total area of 6,000 m² and approx. 225,000 volumes of magazines.
Parking is available in the Gildehof-Center underground car park. Further information available here .
