University And City Library Of Cologne

University and City Library of Cologne (USB Köln): Comprehensive Visitor Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The University and City Library of Cologne (Universitäts- und Stadtbibliothek Köln, USB Köln) stands as a cornerstone of academic excellence and cultural heritage in Cologne, Germany. Serving both the University of Cologne and the city’s residents, USB Köln seamlessly integrates a rich historical legacy with modern facilities and cutting-edge digital services.

Founded in the late 19th century through the merger of council and grammar school libraries, and reconstructed in the post-war era with a striking brutalist design, the library today houses over eight million titles in both physical and digital form. Its collections include rare manuscripts, incunabula, and specialized holdings in medicine, agriculture, humanities, and oriental studies. An iconic honeycomb façade and award-winning architecture reflect its status as a knowledge repository and a landmark of contemporary design (University and City Library of Cologne Official Website, Cologne Tourism Magazine, KuBi Cologne).

Located on the University of Cologne campus and easily accessible by public transport, the USB Köln welcomes scholars, tourists, and locals alike with free admission, accessible facilities, and a vibrant calendar of events. This guide provides detailed visiting information, including opening hours, ticketing, accessibility, tips for maximizing your visit, and an overview of the library’s most significant collections and architectural features.

University and City Library of Cologne building exterior

Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Admission and Tickets
Getting There
Accessibility
Facilities and Amenities
Exploring Historical Treasures & Special Collections
Events, Tours, and Community Engagement
Architectural Highlights
Digital Resources and Open Access
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals, Media, and Internal Links
Summary and Visitor Recommendations
Sources and Further Reading

Planning Your Visit

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday and Public Holidays: Closed

Please consult the USB Köln website for updated opening times, special closures, and events.

Admission and Tickets

Entry: Free for all visitors.
Registration: Required for borrowing privileges, digital resource access, or use of special collections.
Special Events: Some events and workshops may require advance booking or tickets; check the USB events calendar (USB Köln Events).

Getting There

Address: Universitätsstraße 33, 50931 Cologne
Public Transport: Tram lines 1, 7, and 9 (Universitätsstraße stop); Bus line 132 (Universitätsbibliothek stop)
Bicycle: Ample bike racks available
Parking: Limited paid parking nearby; public transport is recommended (Cologne Public Transport)

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access: Fully accessible with ramps, elevators, and adapted restrooms (USB Köln Accessibility)
Support: Assistance available at the information desk; barrier-free navigation throughout the building
Multilingual Services: Signage and support in German and English

Facilities and Amenities

Spacious, naturally lit reading rooms with quiet and group study zones
Digital labs equipped with computers, printers, and scanners
Free Wi-Fi throughout the building
Secure lockers and cloakroom
On-site café and vending machines for refreshments
Self-service printing, copying, and scanning stations
Information desk at entrance

Exploring Historical Treasures & Special Collections

Historical Treasures

USB Köln’s Historical City Library section features rare manuscripts, incunabula, and valuable private collections, including donations from notable benefactors. The serene Historical Collections reading room provides an ideal space for research and discovery.

Special Collections

Medical and Health Sciences: Over 250,000 volumes, rare books, and access to the German National Library of Medicine (ZB MED) resources.
Agricultural, Nutritional, and Environmental Sciences: Extensive holdings originating from the historic agricultural library of Bonn-Poppelsdorf, now a national center for agricultural information.
Humanities and Oriental Studies: Specialized libraries with strong collections in Islamicate languages, cultures, and the Oppenheim Stiftung collection.
Art Library (KuBi): Over 750,000 titles in art, architecture, and photography, accessible via the KuBi portal.
Rare Books and Manuscripts: Includes medieval and early modern manuscripts, Islamic scientific texts, and digitized incunabula.

Access to rare and special collections may require advance registration or appointment. Check the library’s website for details.

Events, Tours, and Community Engagement

Guided Tours: Available in German and English, highlighting architecture, history, and collections. Free with advance booking (USB Köln Events).
Workshops & Lectures: Regular events on scientific writing, digital research tools, and open science.
Cultural Initiatives: Collaborations with city and university institutions, including exhibitions and readings.
Workshops and Courses: Covering academic skills, digital tools, and open access publishing.

Architectural Highlights

Brutalist Design & Urban Integration

Designed by Rolf Gutbrod (1964–1967), the USB Köln is a prime example of German post-war brutalism. The honeycomb-patterned façade of the storeroom is both symbolic and functional, ensuring optimal light diffusion and climate control for the library’s collections (Cologne Tourism Magazine).

The building’s integration with the campus and city, use of exposed concrete, colored panels, and geometric forms, as well as its green landscape design, have earned it the prestigious Cologne Architecture Prize and protected cultural status.

Interior Layout

Reading Rooms: Spacious, filled with natural light, and organized for easy navigation.
Storeroom: Engineered for preservation and accessibility, housing the core physical collection.
Service Areas: Centrally located for visitor convenience.

Digital Resources and Open Access

USB Köln is a leader in digital innovation, offering:

E-books, e-journals, and extensive databases accessible on-site and remotely
Digitized rare materials and open access repositories for theses and research
Virtual tours and online exhibitions available on the library’s website
Regular workshops on digital research tools and open science (University and City Library Cologne)

Nearby Attractions

USB Köln’s central location places it within easy reach of:

University of Cologne main campus and architectural landmarks
Cologne Botanical Gardens
Historic Old Town
The Church of John XXIII (notable for brutalist architecture)
Museum Ludwig and Cologne Cathedral

Combine your library visit with a stroll through these vibrant areas for a full Cologne experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the library free to visit?
A: Yes, general admission is free for all.

Q: What are the opening hours?
A: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–10:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed Sundays and public holidays.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, free tours in German and English with advance booking.

Q: Is the library accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Fully accessible, with staff support available.

Q: Can I photograph inside?
A: Photography is permitted in public areas; restrictions apply in special collections.

Q: How do I reach the library?
A: By tram (lines 1, 7, or 9), bus (line 132), bicycle, or on foot; limited parking nearby.

Q: Are there digital services and online exhibitions?
A: Yes, a wide range of digital resources and virtual exhibitions are accessible via the USB website.

Visuals, Media, and Internal Links

Suggested Images:

Library’s honeycomb façade
Naturally lit reading rooms
Historical Collections reading room
Special events and exhibitions

Alt Tags:
“University and City Library of Cologne main entrance”, “Cologne library interior”, “Brutalist library Cologne”, “Historical Collections at USB Köln”

Internal Links:

Cologne University campus guide
Cologne’s architectural landmarks
City historical sites and cultural attractions

Summary and Visitor Recommendations

The University and City Library of Cologne is a premier destination for those seeking to experience the intersection of history, architecture, and scholarship in Cologne. With its iconic brutalist design, extensive collections, and visitor-friendly services, USB Köln is as much a cultural landmark as it is an academic powerhouse. Enjoy free admission, accessible amenities, engaging tours, and a vibrant events calendar.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the University and City Library of Cologne Official Website. Enhance your visit with the Audiala app for maps, resources, and personalized recommendations.