Bochum City Library

Media, Knowledge, Encounters

The Bochum Public Library is a modern place for learning and discovery for all generations. It combines traditional library services with digital offerings and a variety of educational formats.

Services Offered by the City Library

• A Diverse Media Landscape: Books, magazines, audiobooks, movies, video games, Tonies, and sheet music—for all ages and interests.

• Digital Services: Access to OnleiheRuhr, the Munzinger databases, PressReader, Duden Basiswissen Schule, and the Brockhaus Encyclopedia—all conveniently available from home.

• Learning & Research: Wi-Fi, computers with internet access, e-book readers available for loan, and digital reference works support learning.

For Educational Institutions: ID Card & Media Delivery Service
Schools and social service organizations in Bochum can apply for a free institutional library card. This card allows them to borrow all media for official use; private use is not permitted.

Important to know:

• Costs: No fees for ID cards, reservations, or missed appointments.

• Loan periods: 4 weeks by default, renewable up to two times. Custom loan periods (e.g., for project weeks) are possible.

• Loss/Damage: The institution is liable and must provide compensation.

• Validity: Only for facilities within the city limits of Bochum.

• Information and application forms are available on the City Library's website.

BüchereiKurier – The Free Media Delivery Service

BüchereiKurier provides media boxes free of charge to educational and social institutions in Bochum, such as daycare centers, schools, and nursing homes.

Here's how it works:

• Requirement: Valid institutional ID card

• Delivery: Media are delivered and, upon request, picked up again

• Options: Ready-made theme kits (e.g., Kamishibai, robots, classroom sets) or custom selections based on your needs

• An overview of the boxes is available in the Online Catalog available.

Collaboration with Schools – Real-World Examples

For Grundschulen
The city library offers guided tours designed specifically for elementary school children:

• ABC Tour (1st Grade): Experience stories, discover the library, and receive a free first-reader book.

• Reading Nonfiction Texts (3rd/4th Grade): Finding Errors in Nonfiction Texts—Fun and Educational.

• Library Scavenger Hunt with Tablets (3rd and 4th Grade): Finding Your Way Around the Library Using the Biparcours App.

• Fake Hunter Junior (4th Grade): Building media literacy through critical engagement with the news.

• OGS Programs: Events that can be planned individually for the open all-day program.

• Details are available on the information page for the Programs for Grundschulen available.

For secondary schools
A tailored program is also offered for older students:

• Library Tour with Biparcours (Grades 5–8): A fun way to get to know the library.

• Research Training (Starting in 7th Grade): Effective Information Search and Source Evaluation.

• Recognizing Fake News (Grades 8–10): Thinking Critically About Digital Information.

• Research Paper Coaching (Starting in 10th Grade): Support with literature research and source analysis.

• For more information, visit the information page on the Programs for Secondary Schools available.