Get a library card

Once you have registered at a municipal library, you will receive a library card (BIBCARD) in person or by post. With the BIBCARD, you can borrow or order books or media from a municipal library and use other library services (e.g. film and music streaming). You must present the BIBCARD for each loan.

The BIBCARD is free of charge for certain groups of people:

• Children and young people up to the age of 18.
• Trainees of all ages.
• Anyone doing a Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) or Federal Voluntary Service (BuFDi).
• Students at universities in the state of Bremen (University of Bremen, Bremen University of Applied Sciences and University of the Arts).
• Refugees without a work permit.
• Childcare professionals (You can obtain the form for the certificate for official use from your library. The document must be signed by your daycare center management including the daycare stamp).
• Multipliers:
  
  • People who work in refugee shelters.
  • Volunteers at the volunteer agency.
  • Members of associations that deal with integration and language learning.
  • Volunteers working with older people, such as neighborhood helpers or helpers in retirement homes.
  • Volunteers in patient care, such as the "green ladies".
  • Reading helpers in schools.
  • Helpers who support people with disabilities, such as inclusion helpers or personal assistants.
  • Helpers at the adult education center who help with learning.

You can get a cheaper or reduced BIBCARD if you can present one of the following documents:

• a pension certificate
• a Bremen-Pass
• a certificate from the employment agency confirming receipt of unemployment benefit I or citizen's allowance/basic income support
• a certificate from the Office for Social Services confirming that you receive assistance with living expenses
• Basic income support in old age or in the event of disability or BaföG
• a valid ChamberCard from the Bremen Chamber of Employees
• a library card for the Institut Français or the Instituto Cervantes or a library card from the Bremen State and University Library for which a fee is charged

Requirements

People who live in zip code area 27 or 28 can apply for a BIBCARD.

What documents do I need?

• To obtain the BIBCARD, you need a valid identity card or passport with a registration certificate.
  

  If applicable, proof of a free or reduced BIBCARD (e.g. student ID or proof of training, student ID or semester ticket)

• A written declaration of consent from a parent or legal guardian is also required for children and young people up to the age of 18.