Erlangen City Library | Opening Hours & Online Lending

The Erlangen City Library is the public library of the city and is located in the Palais Stutterheim at the marketplace, together with the Kunstpalais Erlangen. This connects a historic site in the heart of the old town with a modern library offering that ranges from traditional lending to digital services. Those looking for opening hours, login, catalog, online lending, returns, or card renewals will find a library that consistently merges analog and digital use. On the homepage, the city library not only states its opening hours and contact details but also highlights events, newsletters, WhatsApp channels, and direct access to media search and accounts. This makes the library a place where reading, learning, researching, and participating naturally belong together. The address itself speaks for itself: Marktplatz 1 is a central location suitable for spontaneous visits as well as for targeted trips for returns, renewals, or inquiries. The building itself is an important part of Erlangen's city history and continues to shape the character of the library to this day. ([stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de](https://www.stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de/de?utm_source=openai))

Opening Hours, Returns, and Directions to the Erlangen City Library

In the most common inquiries about the Erlangen City Library, the opening hours are at the top, and the official information is clear: It is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM, Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The library is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. For many users, it is particularly important that books and media can also be returned on Wednesdays and Sundays during the opening hours of the Kunstpalais. This additional return option makes everyday life more flexible and reduces the pressure to fit everything into a tight time frame. This is a real advantage, especially for families, students, working individuals, and anyone who regularly passes through the marketplace. The city library refers to this combination of regular opening hours and alternative returns in conjunction with the Kunstpalais at several points. This way, the service remains usable even when the actual library is closed. ([stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de](https://www.stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de/de?utm_source=openai))

The location at the marketplace is also an essential part of orientation. The library is located in the historic center of Erlangen, in an area that is easily accessible on foot. For those arriving by car, the city of Erlangen points to several parking garages and underground parking in the city center; at the same time, it makes clear that the city center is conveniently reachable with the inner-city bus connections. Since the beginning of 2024, bus traffic in the free city center area has also been free of charge, further facilitating access to the center. For inquiries such as parking or directions, this is relevant because the library does not describe a large parking facility on its website, but is very well integrated into the existing mobility network due to its central city location. Those planning appointments for returns, loans, or card inquiries can thus combine their library visit with other errands in the city center. ([erlangen.de](https://erlangen.de/en/aktuelles/parken-in-erlangen?utm_source=openai))

Erlangen City Library Login: My Account, Catalog, and OPAC

For anyone searching for login, catalog, OPAC, or my account, the media search is the most important digital entry point. The Erlangen City Library makes it clear on its website that the online catalog or media search is the central point of contact for managing the library account. There, users can renew, reserve, add to their wish list, and pay fees for media. Additionally, the account shows which media are borrowed and when the return is due. The library's chatbot is explicitly not intended for this purpose; it does not answer inventory questions and does not replace media research. Therefore, anyone specifically looking for a book, a movie, a magazine, an e-book, an audiobook, a game, or a music CD should use the online catalog. This saves time and leads to relevant results more quickly, especially if the title is known or only the topic is being searched. ([stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de](https://www.stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de/themenseite/digital/mediensuche-mein-konto))

The login itself is intentionally kept simple: You log in with your library card number and the password, which by default corresponds to your date of birth in the format dd.mm.yyyy, unless it has been changed. Through this access, both physical and digital media are managed. The library also points out on the homepage that in My Account, not only renewals and reservations are possible, but also online payment of fees and renewal of the library card. This is particularly convenient for users because many administrative steps can be completed without visiting the service desk. Those who frequently research or want to keep track of multiple media also benefit from the wish list and the clear separation between search and account. This transforms the classic library login into a practical tool for everyday life that goes far beyond a simple lending function. ([stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de](https://www.stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de/themenseite/digital/mediensuche-mein-konto))

Erlangen City Library Online Lending: E-Books, Audiobooks, and Digital Offers

The Franken Online Lending is one of the most important digital offerings of the Erlangen City Library. With a valid library card, users can use the service free of charge and access eBooks, eAudios, eMagazines, and ePapers. The range is aimed at children, teenagers, and adults, thus covering significantly more than just classic books. The media can be downloaded to computers, tablets, smartphones, and many e-book readers; Kindle is mentioned as an exception. Particularly interesting is the addition of OverDrive and the Libby app: Since August 2022, new eAudios and English-language eBooks have been made available there. This further expands the digital selection, especially for people who want to use audiobooks, English literature, or current magazines on the go. The library makes it clear that digital reading culture today includes multiple platforms and devices and is not tied to a single format. ([stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de](https://www.stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de/themenseite/digital/franken-onleihe))

For practical purposes, it is also important that the online lending is time-limited and that the return is handled automatically. A renewal is not possible, which means that the usage logic differs from traditional lending on-site. However, e-books and magazines can also be returned before the end of the loan period if one wishes to release the media earlier. Additionally, the city library also offers e-book readers for lending; these have a loan period of 28 days and are already pre-loaded with titles but can be supplemented with additional e-books from the Franken Online Lending. Those who want to research knowledge additionally have access to online encyclopedias and knowledge portals such as Brockhaus, Munzinger, Duden Basic Knowledge School, and Britannica Library Plus with their library card. This makes the library a digital learning place that connects leisure reading, school, studies, and general research. ([stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de](https://www.stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de/themenseite/digital/franken-onleihe))

Erlangen City Library Costs: Card, Fees, and Renewal

The cost question is crucial for many inquiries regarding the Erlangen City Library. The official fee overview shows: Children and teenagers under 18 years, holders of the Erlangen Pass, and certain volunteers can use the library card free of charge. Adults pay 24 euros for one year or 7 euros for three months. For students over 18 years and other eligible groups, there is a reduced rate of 10 euros; the partner card costs 36 euros. Reservations cost 1 euro, a replacement card 3 euros; furthermore, there are other clear amounts for copies and prints. Particularly practical is that the library card can be renewed online as soon as it has expired and that fees can be paid via direct debit in the account. Additionally, users can set up a return reminder via email. For larger institutions such as daycare centers, schools, or other non-profit organizations, there is a free institutional card that also allows the lending of media and language promotion boxes. This shows that the fee structure is not only fair but also tailored to different types of use. ([stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de](https://www.stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de/themenseite/service/gebuehren))

Erlangen City Library App, Wi-Fi, and PC Workstations

The Erlangen City Library is not only a place for books but also a functioning digital workplace. Free Wi-Fi is part of the offering, as are PC workstations with internet access. These computers are available in the children's library, youth library, and on the first floor. With the library card, the PCs can be used free of charge; teenagers under 16 years need written consent from a parent or guardian. Registration is done directly at the device with the library card number and password. Two hours of internet time are available per day, which structures the use clearly and fairly. For people without their own computer or for quick research on the go, this is a very helpful service offering. The library thus provides a reliable environment for applications, school tasks, or quick online searches. ([stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de](https://www.stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de/themenseite/service/internet-computer-wlan))

Additionally, there is a free library app for Android and iOS. It consolidates media search, account, reservations, renewals, wish list, and lists of new acquisitions on the smartphone or tablet. Families can even manage multiple accounts through the app, which significantly eases everyday oversight. The library points out that it does not guarantee the technical functionality of the app, but the feature list is very attractive for mobile users. Those wanting to see which media are borrowed, which have been reserved, or when a title must be returned find a direct and practical solution in the app. Together with the online catalog, online encyclopedias, and the Franken Online Lending, a comprehensive digital package emerges that positions the Erlangen City Library far beyond the classic presence library. ([stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de](https://www.stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de/themenseite/digital/bibliotheksapp?utm_source=openai))

History, Palais Stutterheim, and Special Areas of the Erlangen City Library

The Erlangen City Library has a long and well-documented history. In 2022, it celebrated its 100th anniversary; the first municipal library opened on September 1, 1921, in the Old Town Hall. In 1971, the city library moved to its current location in the Palais Stutterheim. The official chronicle also shows earlier stations such as the Egloffstein Palace and makes clear how a small public library has developed into a powerful city library. As early as 1998, research computers replaced card catalogs, in 2001 the catalog became available on the internet, and in 2012 the Franken Online Lending was added. During the Corona period, collection services and media delivery services ensured that the supply to the population continued. These development lines show that the library not only reacts to social changes but also continuously develops its offerings. ([stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de](https://www.stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de/themenseite/Stadtbibliothek/geschichte))

The Palais Stutterheim itself gives the library a special framework. The building was constructed between 1728 and 1730, has been owned by the city since 1836, and served as a town hall from 1836 to 1970. Today, the city library and Kunstpalais share the building. This connection of history, culture, and public use strongly shapes the location at the marketplace. The library also refers to its role as a central place of Erlangen's cultural life and complements the classic media offering with events such as readings, exhibitions, family activities, lectures, and workshops. Additionally, there are dedicated departments such as the children's library, youth library, music library, and bookmobile. In the children's library, there are readings in several languages, tablet stations, and gaming offers; the music library offers CDs, music lists, and concert formats like Aufgetont. This creates a broad profile that connects reading, listening, learning, and experiencing. ([erlangen.de](https://erlangen.de/en/aktuelles/trauung-stutterheim?utm_source=openai))

The particular strength of the Erlangen City Library lies precisely in this mix of tradition and present. It is historically anchored but technically and organizationally very modern. The library is easily accessible as a public institution, offers additional reach in the districts with the bookmobile, and remains a place for focused work, family offerings, and cultural encounters. Its history tells of parades, renovations, digitization, and new formats, but the core has remained constant: the reliable supply of media and knowledge for many different target groups. So today, when searching for photos, opening hours, online lending, login, or card renewal, one does not end up at a mere lending point but at a vibrant cultural institution in the heart of Erlangen. This is exactly what makes the city library an attractive location, service point, and knowledge place. ([stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de](https://www.stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de/themenseite/Stadtbibliothek/geschichte))

Sources:

• Erlangen City Library - Official Website ([stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de](https://www.stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de/de?utm_source=openai))
• Erlangen City Library - Media Search & My Account ([stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de](https://www.stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de/themenseite/digital/mediensuche-mein-konto))
• Erlangen City Library - Franken Online Lending ([stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de](https://www.stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de/themenseite/digital/franken-onleihe))
• Erlangen City Library - History of the Library ([stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de](https://www.stadtbibliothek-erlangen.de/themenseite/Stadtbibliothek/geschichte))
• City of Erlangen - Palais Stutterheim ([erlangen.de](https://erlangen.de/en/aktuelles/trauung-stutterheim?utm_source=openai))
• City of Erlangen - Parking in Erlangen ([erlangen.de](https://erlangen.de/en/aktuelles/parken-in-erlangen?utm_source=openai))