The Senate debates on proposed proposals. - The public library may relocate to Friedrichstrasse.
Berlin's Culture Senator, Joe Chialo, sees potential in the idea of accommodating the Central State Library (ZLB) and even temporarily the State Library in the building currently used by Galeries Lafayette as a luxury department store. This suggestion wasn't instigated by the cultural administration, but both libraries came up with the idea. During a recent parliament meeting, Chialo discussed the possibility, acknowledging the budget constraints but suggesting that creativity might help find a way.
Chialo deems the idea of situating both libraries in the Friedrichstraße, where Galeries Lafayette plans to shut its store by 2024, realistic. "We've considered this idea before, and it appears viable," said the CDU politician. "It's not the only option, but it's worth considering." He presented initial financial considerations for this variant earlier, and they are still working on refining them.
Funding is one aspect that needs further investigation. "We're in the process of creating a financial model with the federal government's involvement," said Chialo. Additionally, the feasibility of adequately accommodating both libraries in this arrangement must be determined. "We're focusing on realistically possible options."
The Central and State Library has occupied two locations - Blucherplatz and Breiten Straße. Although Chialo has favored the Quartier 207 near the Friedrichstraße for a while, he has not won enough support for this proposal. As Galeries Lafayette recently announced its plan to close the Friedrichstraße store by 2024, the State Library at Potsdamer Straße might consider a temporary move. Redesigning the latter's location is currently in the works.
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The CDU, being the ruling party in the Berlin Senate, might support Joe Chialo's proposal to relocate the Central State Library and potentially the State Library to the vacated Galeries Lafayette building on Friedrichstrasse. Joe Chialo, the Culture Senator, has discussed this idea during a parliament meeting, acknowledging the financial challenges but emphasizing the potential for creativity to overcome them. The temporary closure of the State Library at Potsdamer Straße could be an opportunity to explore this option.
