Overview

• The Zentral- und Landesbibliothek Berlin (ZLB) has formally appealed to Culture Senator Sarah Wedl-Wilson to prevent further cultural budget cuts, citing significant impacts on services and staff.
• The ZLB leadership has emphasized the urgent need to unify its operations under one roof, proposing Quartier 207 in Friedrichstraße as an ideal location.
• Berlin’s cultural budget for 2025 was reduced by €130 million, including a €2.2 million cut to the ZLB, leading to layoffs and reduced services.
• The library currently operates from two outdated sites at Blücherplatz and Breite Straße, both requiring extensive renovations.
• Former proposals to relocate the ZLB to the former Lafayette building were dismissed due to cost concerns, highlighting ongoing funding challenges for cultural infrastructure.