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Mobile library reaches thousands of children every year – Education Officer Klötzner emphasizes its importance for promoting reading
For half a century, the Darmstadt City Library's bookmobile has been in operation – and even today, it still brings reading material to the city's districts every week. On June 23, 1975, the bus first opened its doors in Arheilgen. On board: around 4,500 books for everyone who doesn't have direct access to the central library or a branch library.
Originating from the legacy of a US-American
The bookmobile was financed by the bequest of the American Henry August Harms, who stipulated that his estate be used to expand the library network in Darmstadt. The first vehicle was in service for over 40 years before being replaced by a new, modern bookmobile in 2015.
Promoting reading as a core task
"The bookmobile is a very popular and well-used service of the Darmstadt City Library and makes an important contribution to promoting reading skills and extracurricular education," explains Head of Education Holger Klötzner. Children especially benefit: in 2024, around 80 percent of visitors were under 12 years old. The bookmobile's collection is specifically geared towards young families, with a focus on picture books, children's literature, and modern media such as Tonies.
Digital transformation and loyal female readers
While library cards were used for borrowing in the past, everything is now digital – with laptops and scanners. The media selection has also changed: CDs and DVDs have replaced the old video cassettes, and today the focus is primarily on digital media and new formats. But even after 50 years, the printed book remains the favorite in the bookmobile.
Stable demand
The figures underscore the success of the service: Over 28,000 people used the bookmobile in 2024, and around 78,000 items were borrowed. Librarian Karen Mutschler is responsible for selecting the media collection, and she is supported by Mariela Wolf and Heidrun Losmann. Driver Edwin Traxel safely transports the mobile library to the various stops.
Current stop schedule
Tuesday
3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Composers' Quarter (Mozartweg)
5:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.: European Quarter (Europaplatz)
Wednesday
2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.: Arheilgen (Untere Mühlstraße)
Thursday
2:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.: Bessungen (Freiberger Platz, at the lighthouse)
4:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.: Heimstättensiedlung (Heimstättenweg)
Friday
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Wixhausen (Verdistraße)
3:15 PM – 4:45 PM: Wixhausen (train station)
Mornings are reserved for visits to primary schools and daycare centers. Further information is available from the Darmstadt City Library .
(Darmstadt - Red/PSD/DK)
