Last Updated on 13 September 2023
Stuttgart Library is one of the prettiest libraries you will ever come across. So if you’re a book lover (or you just like pretty architecture) and you happen to be visiting Stuttgart, this is definitely a must see place. Here is everything you need to know on how to visit Stuttgart Library.
What is Stuttgart Library?
Stuttgart Library (Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart) is a public library located in the city of Stuttgart in Germany. The original library was built on 1965 and was located inside the palace of Wilhelm II (Wilhelmpalais). In 2011, it was moved to the newly built location in Stuttgart’s Mailänder Square (Mailänder Platz), becoming the administrative centre of all public libraries in the city.
Stuttgart Library’s 5 story, minimalist design and monothic cube exterior was the outcome of an international competition. The competition was won by Eun Young Yi of Yi Architects in 1999. The Mailänder Platz was chosen as the location for the library as it was perceived to be a future city centre.
Since seeing Stuttgart Library on Pinterest and Tumblr back in the early 2010s, I’ve always wanted to visit! Like I said before, it’s one of the prettiest libraries you’ll ever see! Not only is it pretty but it’s also a network of 17 libraries spread across various districts of Stuuttgart as well as 4 hospital libraries, 2 driving libraries and the library of the Stuttgart City Hall!
It’s no wonder that it received the national award as Library of the Year in 2013 by the German Library Association and ZEIT Ebelin Foundation.
Where is Stuttgart Library?
Stuttgart Library is located in the city of Stuttgart at Mailänder Platz:
📍Mailänder Platz 1, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany
The open hours are currently:
- Monday – Friday: 9am-9am
- Saturday: 9am-9am
- Sunday: Closed
How to Visit Stuttgart Library
To visit Stuttgart Library via bus, hop on any of these bus route numbers: 44, N2, SEV1.
If you hop on the 44 or N2 you’ll be taken right by the library as the closest stop to it is Stadtbibliothek. On the N3, you’ll have to get off at Friedhofstraße and on the SEV1, you’ll have to get off at Arnulf-klett platz..
The closest stop to Stuttgart Library is Stadtbibliothek which is only a 4 minute walk. Friedhofstraße bus stop is about an 8 minute walk from Stuttgart Library. Arnulf-Klett Platz bus stop takes you right to the square where Stuttgart’s main railway station (Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof) is. From there it’s about a 13 minute walk to visit Stuttgart Library.
To visit Stuttgart Library via Subway, hop on any of these subway train routes: U12, U15, U5, U6, U7.
On the U12, get off at Budapester Platz, which takes you right in front of Stuttgart Library. The U15, U5, U6 and U7 all go to Stadtbibliothek bus stop which is a 4 minute walk away from Stutgart Library.
To visit Stuttgart Library via the S-Bahn, hop on the S1 or S2 and get off at Sttutgart Hauptbahnhof. And take the 13 mnute walk.
Navigating Stuttgart Library
When you visit Stuttgart Library, you’ll see an electric board that will guide you on all the things the library has to offer, including where to find them on each floor:
- Ground floor – Showroom
- 1st floor – Music library (DVDs, CDs, and music literature)
- 2nd floor – Kids library (child friendly space with comfortable seats for kids to sit on)
- 3rd floor – Named “life floor.” It features literature on religion, philosophy, medicine, sports, astronomy and all things relating to society
- 4th floor – Named “knowledge.” It features literature on law, social sciences, economics, mathematics and technology
- 5th floor – Named “world.” It features books written in many foreign languages including Spanish, English, Mandarin and more
- 6th floor – Literature relating to thriller, sci-fi,
- 7th floor – Novels sorted from A-Z and the cafe
- 9th floor – Rooftop terrace with beautiful views of the city
If you’re more interested in knowing the architectural knowledge of the building and its services when you visit Stuttgart Library, head over to the information desk and ask for a free audio guide. They’ll charge a 5 euro deposit but will give it back once returned.
Is Stuttgart Library Free?
Yes, Stuttgart Library is completely free to enter and explore! But without a library card, you can’t borrow any books out or take advantage of any other library services.
But if you live in Stuttgart and would like to join Stuttgart Library, you can register online. The fee is 20 euros a year and joining will allow you to borrow books, access the elibrary, reserve and use Pcs/laptops and order media.
Things to do Near Stuttgart Library
Book(ish) Shopping
Stuttgart Library is located in a square and in this square there’s a huge shopping mall right across from it called Milaneo. Not only does it feature clothes and novelty shops but it also features bookish shops. Manga Cult Store has all things manga including merch and drinks! It’s open Monday to Friday from 10am – 8pm and on Saturday from 9:30am to 8pm. For bookish novelty, vsit Elbenwald. It features all things Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and comics! They open from 10am – 8pm from Monday to Saturday.
StadtPalais Stuttgart
To see the original location of the old Stuttgart Library, take a 20 minute walk to StadtPalais Stuttgart! Although you won’t be able to visit the actual library, StadtPalais still features Stuttgart’s history as well as exhibitions on architecture, society and politics!
How to Visit Stuttgart Library: FAQs
How much does it cost to go to Stuttgart Library?
Stuttgart Library has completely free entry as it’s a public library!
Does Stuttgart library have free wifi?
Stuttgart Library doesn’t have free wifi, you would have to join the library to access this facility. If you don’t have a library card but need internet connection when you visit Stuttgart Library, my best advice is to make sure you have enough mobile data to browse the internet and/or use it as a hotspot.
Can I borrow ebooks from Stuttgart Library
Yes, they have a catalogue of ebooks that you can borrow but you’d need to join the library. Once you’ve joined you can access the ebooks (and even audiobooks) through Libby, which is one of the best apps to access books.
You may like: 14 Best Alternatives to Amazon for Books
Are there study rooms available at Stuttgart Library?
When you visit Stuttgart Library you’ll find tons of study spaces where you can work or read from. Of course, there’s also the 7th floor’s cafe where you can work at too while having a cup of coffee!
Are there any events or programs at Stuttgart Library?
To keep up to date with events and programs at Stuttgart Library, head over to the Stuttgart Library events page to see what’s upcoming.
What are the opening times for visiting Stuttgart Library?
- Monday – Friday: 9am-9am
- Saturday: 9am-9am
- Sunday: Closed
How to Visit Stuttgart Library: In a Nutshell
Visiting Stuttgart Library is a must see for both bookworms and non-bookworms alike. It’s such a pretty place with tons of resources spanning across 9 different floors. And best of all, it’s not far from Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof and it’s right in Mailänder Platz, where there’s tons of other things to explore.
See more bookshop and library guides across Europe:
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