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Overcoming loneliness: How libraries bring us together

Loneliness can affect anyone. Under the slogan ‘Together in the Library’, the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ) and the German Library Association (dbv) aim to shine a spotlight on this issue in November 2026.


Various activities will take place in libraries across Germany to mark the occasion.


The feeling of loneliness ran like a common thread through Daniel Haas’s life story. In his autobiographical novel *Einsamsein. Eine Befreiungsgeschichte* (*Loneliness: A Story of Liberation*), the journalist and author writes poignantly about self-doubt, a lack of belonging and shame – and about how he ultimately found a

found his way out: through connection, friendship and a willingness to accept help and participate in life.


To mark the start of the campaign month, Haas will read extracts from *Einsamsein* on 5 November. Following the reading, Federal Minister for Education and Family Affairs Karin Prien and Frauke Untiedt from the German Library Association (Deutscher Bibliotheksverband e. V.) will join Daniel Haas in a discussion on the causes and effects of loneliness, as well as the role of libraries as places of encounter and community.


With

Daniel Haas, journalist and author

Karin Prien, Federal Minister for Education and Family Affairs

Frauke Untiedt, German Library Association (Deutscher Bibliotheksverband e. V.)

Tina Lurz, presenter and book influencer


  • Thursday, 5 November
  • 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm (with a wrap-up until 8.00 pm)
  • Doors open from 5.30 pm
  • Humboldt Library, Karolinenstraße 19, 13507 Berlin
  • The event is free of charge.
  • Register at anmeldung-bib@reinickendorf.berlin.de
Additional information
Dates
November 2026
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