Designing Buildings - Contest initiated to expand the National Library.
Established by merchants more than a century ago, this library has been upholding its expansive task: it gathers all text, image, and sound publications related to Germany or in the German language. Every year, the collection of hard copies grows by roughly 3.3 kilometers of shelves at each branch in Leipzig and Frankfurt/Main. Due to space constraints, the original facility in Leipzig has undergone four expansions since 1916.
A fifth expansion project is about to commence on the southeast side of the original building in the German Square. This upcoming building will serve as a storage facility, housing 213 kilometers of shelves, enough to store incoming materials for a 30-year period. The construction phase is set to start at the end of 2026, with an expected completion date in 2030.
Press Release
Read also:
The expansion project for the National Library in Leipzig, Germany, is not only a testament to the library's growing collection but also a significant contribution to the city's architecture. As part of Saxony's rich literary heritage, this project aligns with the region's emphasis on preserving and promoting European literature. With the addition of a new storage facility, the library will be able to accommodate its increasing collection up until 2056, expanding beyond the borders of Leipzig and making an impact on the broader European literary scene.
