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The city invites you to a discussion about the future of the library and adult education center
The City of Darmstadt invites you to the second public participation event for the Darmstadt Education Center project on February 26, 2026. From 6 p.m. onwards, citizens, education professionals, and other interested parties can learn about the current status and contribute their own suggestions at the Heinrich-Hoffmann-School, Lindenhofstraße 3.
Mayor Hanno Benz and Head of Education Holger Klötzner will present the concept adopted by the city council in 2023, as well as the results developed since then. The focus will be on the future direction of the city library and the adult education center under one roof.
Educational opportunities and new uses
The concept outlines both the spatial requirements and the thematic focus of the planned educational center. Participants can contribute their perspectives on programs for children, young people, and adults. Topics include German as a second language and public-facing workspaces.
In addition to existing programs, new formats such as a creative and experiential studio or a so-called sound library will be discussed. Under the motto "DA makes education happen – education under one roof," the discussion will focus on how the education center can function as a central educational and community hub in the city center.
The event will be complemented by a scientific presentation from Prof. Dr. Kerstin Schultz of Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, Department of Architecture.
Background to the project
The basis for this is the city council resolution “City Center Education Center – Concept Development for a Modern Education and Meeting Place” (Magistrate's Proposal 2023/0188). The city library, adult education center, and education management were commissioned to develop a joint concept for a modern education center for adult education in the city center.
The aim is a contemporary learning and meeting place that combines reading, working, and experimental spaces. The concept was developed with funding from the Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Construction as part of the "Sustainable City Centers and Town Centers" program. Further planning was initiated with the resolution "Darmstadt Education Center: Development of a concrete implementation option based on the content concept" (City Council document 2025/0061).
Mayor Benz emphasizes that suggestions from the public have provided important impetus for planning and action in the past. Education Officer Klötzner underlines that a modern meeting place and educational center for the city's residents can only be designed in collaboration with them.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/tb)
