Ernst Abbe Library and Citizens' Services welcome their first users

Miriam Kuch was the first citizen to come to the new Citizens' Services location on Engelplatz for an appointment on Monday morning. She urgently needed a passport for her son Heinrich, as children's passports were abolished at the beginning of the year. Employee Marcel Stroh issued a temporary document so that the family's Easter vacation can now begin. Employee Patricia Wochnik, who welcomed the first guests at the central reception together with Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche and Head of Department Olaf Schroth, was delighted with the working atmosphere in the modern building. "The noise level is significantly lower than at the old location," said Wochnik. The start in the new premises has gone well, she reported: "We help each other, we are a good team."

The move within just three days went smoothly, emphasized Schroth. Due to the higher level of technical equipment, some improvements still need to be made in the initial phase. Users will notice some of the advantages of the new building in a few weeks' time: the waiting area on the side facing away from the sun will heat up less in summer. The entire first floor is also air-conditioned. "We have a much better indoor climate and significantly improved air quality here," emphasized Schroth. This benefits both the people waiting and the staff.

Rush to open the library

Long before the Ernst Abbe Library opened to the public for the first time today, Sophia Sust and Emma Schwarze had already been waiting outside the door. The two schoolgirls were rewarded for their patience with flowers and a book gift, presented by Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche and Library Director Katja Müller. They were the very first guests to be allowed to explore the new building. On the opening day, numerous interested people of all ages flocked into the building with the schoolgirls. Staff member Kathleen Paetznick and her colleagues had their hands full at the counters in the foyer to familiarize everyone with the system. This is because all those previously registered need a new user card. This card is equipped with new technology, so that in future it will also be possible to use pay machines and lockers.

Opening hours of the Ernst Abbe Library on Engelplatz

Tuesday to Friday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Note for Easter:

From March 29 to April 1, both locations of the Ernst Abbe Library will be closed. From April 2, both locations will be open again from 10 am.

Media can now also be returned outside opening hours. A return terminal has been set up next to the main entrance for this purpose.

Bibliotheksleiterin Katja Müller und Oberbürgermeister Dr. Thomas Nitzsche überreichten den ersten Besucherinnen Sophia Sust und Emma Schwarze Blumen und ein Buch.

Oberbürgermeister Dr. Thomas Nitzsche, Patricia Wochnik und Fachdienstleiter Olaf Schroth begrüßten Miriam Kuch und ihren Sohn.