Creating a cosier atmosphere with books in the Carl von Ossietzky Forum

During the co-creative phase, workshop participants voiced the preference to have some books in the space – serving as both, a connection to its former existence as reading room and also to the current spaces and areas of the library. Additionally, as per their answers, participants feel more comfortable and cosier in a space with books.

Together with the building department and a contractor, we designed a shelving exhibition combination that was recently installed. Adding to the design is an artwork displaying the life trajectory of Carl von Ossietzky. As this piece of art had already hung on the wall of the reading room since its establishment in the 1980s, it is also a nice link to the history of the space. Still missing are quotes from Ossietzky’s writing that will be plotted and attached onto the furniture in the upcoming weeks.

Books have been purchased from several areas relating to the space’s purpose: contemporary history, civic education, and co-creative city and space planning. Furthermore, selected works from the old collection on pacifism and antifascism will be included. Though already in the library, the books are still being internally processed which is why they are not included in the photo below.

At the moment, the space is open for workshops and other activities, limiting access to the books to those times. Even though this is not ideal, we hope that visitors will find the time to browse through books from time to time.

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