New chapter in the partnership between Kiel and San Francisco

Maureen Singleton and Michael Lambert from the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) everyone agrees. They also agreed that libraries in the 21st century are becoming a place of encounter and an important building block for democracy. This was emphasized by both Lord Mayor Dr. Ulf Kämpfer and Abigail Greenwald, Deputy Consul General of the USA, in their welcoming speeches on Monday.

"Getting people talking to each other, getting active together and writing new chapters in the twinning book together is exactly what makes the connection between Kiel and San Francisco so lively," continued Axel Schulz, CEO of The Bay Areas e.V.. "We are looking forward to the new contacts and joint projects."

"Our mission is to be there for all parts of our colourful society, to make offers, to connect them with each other but also to celebrate the diversity of the community," summarized Michael Lambert in the panel discussion with Johanna Göb (Head of the Office for Culture and Further Education), Dr. Andreas Teichert (Head of the City Library) and Anna Dornberger (Director of The Bay Areas e.V.).

To this end, the SFPL has built up a diverse social and cultural program in recent years. In addition to themed months with the various ethnic groups, LBGTQ or for banned books, it offers Internet access, workshops and free learning opportunities at its 28 different locations. Every child automatically receives a library card when they start school, former unemployed people now work as social workers and contacts in the library and prison inmates benefit from a free and varied online offer.

The public event with guests from all over Schleswig-Holstein was part of a multi-day exchange with the team from the Kiel City Library, which was awarded the Library Prize this year. 

Kate Eichberg, librarian at Kiel City Library, gives more insights into the work of the SFPL in the Blog of the public library. You initiated the exchange after a private visit to SFLP in the summer and she talks about her experiences and impressions on site.