The staff is so friendly and helpful. They’ve got a good collection of books.

My favorite place to be in this city. So lovely and helpful people. Please sign up and reach the opportunities of this library 👍

Despite any potential criticism regarding staff or the lending of digital devices and media—even books of all genres—one shouldn't forget that one only pays a very small fee, and has done so for years. I also don't use the city library as a place to linger, as some visitors describe their visit. To the staff, I say: enforce their right to control access to the premises; anyone who doesn't comply should be asked to leave. I am very satisfied and find my needs fully met.

Inappropriate Treatment at the Gelsenkirchen City Library Today, I had an extremely unpleasant encounter with a member of management staff at the Gelsenkirchen City Library. The woman in question – in her late fifties, of a sturdy build – was immediately noticeable due to her noticeably bad mood. Without any greeting or explanation, she addressed me harshly and ordered me to return the chair, which was only holding my backpack, to its place. When I politely asked why this was necessary – after all, the library was almost empty at the time and no one was taking a seat – I received the unconvincing answer that it might get more crowded later. I replied that I would, of course, vacate the chair immediately if someone needed it – which is a matter of course for me. However, it seemed as if the woman was deliberately looking for an opportunity to reprimand me. She probably assumed I was illegitimately taking up space by booking multiple seats or a group table. When this turned out not to be the case, she still seemed to want to find a justification for her condescending behavior. I behaved respectfully and solution-oriented throughout the entire conversation, which the lady apparently hadn't expected – possibly because, as a foreigner, I didn't fit her preconceived notion. I found this kind of behavior disrespectful, inappropriate, and unfounded. I've never before been reprimanded so unjustifiably in a public facility. I must also add that all the staff members have been very nice so far, except for the aforementioned lady. I've been here several times and never had any problems. I left the place exactly as I found it. Fortunately, we live in a country where people are free to share their experiences publicly. Should further incidents occur, I will, of course, keep you updated. The pictures clearly show that all the chairs seem to be empty 😂

I was very impressed with the library at first; it was very large, had great books, and one of the staff members was very friendly. Unfortunately, today was my last visit. Three staff members were loudly gossiping and complaining; it was unbearable. Instead, they could have paid attention to the three teenage couples in the children's area who seemed to think the "cuddle corner" was for making out. Absolutely unacceptable!