Munich – Book lovers in the Bavarian capital may face limitations in several districts. As reported by Munich City Library, multiple branches are adjusting their operating hours.
The library cited staff shortages and “restrictions with our external security service” as reasons for the changes. As a result, extended opening hours are currently unavailable at five locations. The affected branches are:
- Am Westkreuz City Library, Radolfzeller Straße 13
- Fürstenried City Library, Berner Straße 4
- Giesing City Library, Deisenhofener Straße 20
- Moosach City Library, Hanauer Straße 61a
- Riem City Library, Elisabeth-Castonier-Platz 19
At these five locations, the new opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The exact duration of these restrictions remains unclear—the library’s website only states they will apply “until further notice.”
The affected branches are part of the “Open Libraries” initiative, where visitors typically have access early in the morning, late in the evening, and on Sundays/public holidays without staff supervision. Access to facilities and materials is usually enabled by security personnel or automated systems.
Munich has seven “Open Libraries” in total. The branches at Gasteig HP8 (Hans-Preißinger-Straße 8, Sendling) and Motorama (Rosenheimer Straße 30-32, Haidhausen) remain unaffected, maintaining their regular hours:
Gasteig HP8: Monday–Sunday, 7 a.m.–11 p.m.
Motorama: Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Munich City Library stated that updates regarding the “Open Libraries” will be shared via notices and their website. “We appreciate your understanding,” the website noted.
In addition to the five “Open Library” branches, the Milbertshofen City Library (Schleißheimer Straße 340) is also reducing hours due to staffing issues. Until Friday, August 22, it will operate Tuesday–Friday, 12 p.m.–6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. The library confirmed: “All items due between August 8 and 22 will be automatically extended to August 27, 2025.”
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