Bibliothek Unterföhring

Here we are, sitting in the local library using the place for it's warmth and free WiFi! However, this is a library like no other that I have seen or visited. The main body of the building is called the Buergerhaus and is essentially a sort of arts centre, a meeting place, a conference centre, a cafe, and a library. All these zones are housed together under one roof with the added bonus of free underground parking.

Sonja has kindly lent us her library card, so we have already borrowed and returned some English books and a DVD. The library part of the Buergerhaus is ultra modern and the decor inviting and calm. Downstairs there are sections of adult fiction, romance, fantasy, Sci Fi, plus DVDs, CDs, and magazines. 

Borrowing the items was very easy! Sonja showed us how to check things out; items are placed on a sort of weighing scale and scanner or sensor, then the library card is swiped, a display lists what you want to borrow, and if you agree, you press 'Ja'. At this point a receipt prints out for you a list of your borrowed items and includes the dates of when they are to be returned. And all of this was done in a self service style!!! 

Upstairs, where we are now, is the children's section, a whole floor devoted to reading for pleasure. There are chairs, sofas, tables, and Jasper and Maya's favourite thing to sit on (so far) is the large Loch Ness monster/snake! 

You can even borrow games! 

Whilst it may seem slightly odd to spend an afternoon in the library whilst on holiday, we have to remember that in our normal life, it's not that odd to do such a thing! So I think Jasper and Maya just needed some quiet down time to themselves to look at other books and to spend time relaxing. With the added bonus of a coffee machine on the third floor, I'm inclined to feel rather relaxed too, especially with a new book in hand!

Clare