“A Quarter of a Century of Read Capitals of Culture“
University Library of Chemnitz University of Technology opens special collection comprising around 750 books regarding European Capitals of Culture since 2000 on January 17, 2025 – Users are invited to contribute to the further decoration of the “Capitals of Culture shelves”
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Photo: Tino Riedel
Hooray, Chemnitz is now European Capital of Culture! But who knows its predecessors? And who knows that for example last year Bad Ischl, Tartu und Bodø were European Capitals of Culture? Or Essen in 2010 jointly with Pécs and Istanbul? Those who would like to get informed on that comprehensively are welcome to do that from January 17, 2025 on at the University Library of Chemnitz University of Technology, Straße der Nationen 33. Then the special collection comprising around 750 books regarding all European Capitals of Culture since 2000 up to those in this year is provided for usage at the shelves around the reading hall at the 2nd level resting at this location until December 2025.
A literary travel through more than 50 European Capitals of Culture
By the way, the special collection does not only include titles of older collections of the University Library but also a great number of new books which could have been acquired thanks to funding of the TUCculture2025-program of Chemnitz University of Technology. “I am very delighted that we are able to present this special collection of books right at the time of the official opening of Chemnitz as European Capital of Culture and I would like to express my gratitude to Chemnitz University of Technology for the opportunity to enrich and enhance that special collection by a great number and variety of new books regarding each of the Capitals of Culture”, Angela Malz, Director of the University Library, comments. “I strongly wish that this special collection is not only used by adherents of the University but also by citizens of Chemnitz and beyond as it is a varied mixture of travel and city guides, illustrated and photo books, cultural guides and locally-related literature which normally should offer something adequate for any preferences”, she adds.
“All visitors of the University Library are welcome to browse through the titles presented on their heart’s content. In addition, they have the opportunity to test their geographical knowledge with regard to the Capitals of Culture by placing buttons on a map of Europe which is not really easy for every Capital of Culture”, Dr. Wolfgang Lambrecht, Deputy Director of the University Library and initiator of the project, says. In case of interest, registered users of the University Library may also borrow the books of the special collection at the desk at the 1st level and continue reading at home.
Other books, paintings and handicrafts related to Chemnitz resp. other of the Capitals of Culture are welcome
In addition, all adherents of the University and citizens are welcome to contribute to the particular decoration of the “Capitals of Culture shelves”: “Everyone who would like to donate something particular regarding Chemnitz resp. other Capitals of Culture to the University Library, is cordially invited to give that to the information desk at the 1st level. Also own paintings and handcrafts related to Chemnitz resp. other Capitals of Culture are welcome. However, as those objects are presented at a public area without special protection, the University Library may not assume any liability for them”, Lambrecht quotes.
In case of inquiries, comments or ideas regarding the special collection of Capitals of Culture of the University Library, you are welcome to address to Dr. Wolfgang Lambrecht, phone +49 (0)371 531-35679. email wolfgang.lambrecht@bibliothek.tu-chemnitz.de.
(Translation: Dr. Wolfgang Lambrecht)
Mario Steinebach
10.01.2025
