# Long Night of the Libraries > Initiative of the German Library Association **Wikidata**: [Q132973437](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q132973437) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/long-night-of-the-libraries ## Summary The Long Night of the Libraries is a cultural event and initiative of the German Library Association, launched in 2005. It aims to promote library use and highlight the role of libraries as vital cultural institutions. The event, also known by its official German name "Nacht der Bibliotheken," encourages public engagement with libraries through various activities. ## Key Facts - **Inception:** The initiative began in 2005. - **Organizer:** It is an initiative of the German Library Association. - **Classification:** It is categorized as a library use promotion and a cultural event. - **Official Name:** Its official German name is "Nacht der Bibliotheken." - **Aliases:** It is also known as Night of the Libraries, nuit des bibliothèques, and Lange Nacht der Bibliotheken. - **Geographic Scope:** The event originated in North Rhine-Westphalia in 2005 and is set to expand to Germany starting in 2025. - **Hashtag:** The associated hashtag for the event is #nachtderbibliotheken. - **Website:** The official website is https://www.nachtderbibliotheken.de/. - **Participants:** Notable participants include the Saxon State and University Library, Dresden; Dresden city libraries; Institute of Saxon History and Cultural Anthropology; and TIB – Leibniz Information Centre for Science and Technology and University Library. ## FAQs ### Q: What is the Long Night of the Libraries? A: The Long Night of the Libraries is a cultural event initiated by the German Library Association. Its primary goal is to promote the use of libraries and showcase their importance as cultural and educational institutions. ### Q: When did the Long Night of the Libraries begin? A: The Long Night of the Libraries was first launched in 2005. It initially took place in North Rhine-Westphalia and is scheduled to expand its reach across Germany starting in 2025. ### Q: What is the official name of this event? A: The official German name for the event is "Nacht der Bibliotheken." It is also known by aliases such as Night of the Libraries, nuit des bibliothèques, and Lange Nacht der Bibliotheken. ### Q: Who organizes the Long Night of the Libraries? A: The Long Night of the Libraries is an initiative of the German Library Association. This organization is responsible for coordinating and promoting the event. ## Why It Matters The Long Night of the Libraries plays a crucial role in fostering public engagement with libraries and promoting literacy within Germany. As an initiative of the German Library Association, it serves as a significant platform for libraries to showcase their diverse offerings beyond traditional book lending, positioning them as vibrant cultural and community hubs. By transforming libraries into venues for special events, workshops, and late-night access, the initiative effectively breaks down barriers and invites new audiences to experience the value of these institutions. Its expansion from North Rhine-Westphalia to a nationwide event in Germany by 2025 underscores its growing impact and recognition as a vital tool for library advocacy. The event helps to raise awareness about the resources, services, and cultural significance of libraries, ensuring their continued relevance in an evolving digital landscape. ## Notable For - **German Library Association Initiative:** It is a prominent initiative directly organized by the German Library Association to promote library use. - **Dual Classification:** Uniquely classified as both a "library use promotion" activity and a "cultural event," highlighting its dual purpose. - **Geographic Expansion:** Notable for its planned expansion from a regional event in North Rhine-Westphalia (since 2005) to a nationwide event across Germany (starting 2025). - **Multilingual Aliases:** Recognized by multiple aliases, including its official German name "Nacht der Bibliotheken," "Night of the Libraries," and "nuit des bibliothèques." ## Body ### Overview The Long Night of the Libraries is an initiative spearheaded by the German Library Association. It is officially known as "Nacht der Bibliotheken" in German. This event is classified as both a library use promotion activity and a cultural event. Its primary goal is to encourage public engagement with libraries. ### Naming and Identification The event is known by several aliases, including Night of the Libraries, nuit des bibliothèques, and Lange Nacht der Bibliotheken. The official German name is "Nacht der Bibliotheken." The associated hashtag for social media promotion is #nachtderbibliotheken. ### History and Geographic Scope The Long Night of the Libraries was first established in 2005. - From its inception in 2005, the event primarily took place in North Rhine-Westphalia. - Starting in 2025, the initiative is set to expand its scope to include the entire country of Germany. ### Digital Presence and Resources The official website for the Long Night of the Libraries is https://www.nachtderbibliotheken.de/, which features German-language content. Further information about the initiative is available on the German Library Association's website (https://www.bibliotheksverband.de/nacht-der-bibliotheken) and other related platforms (e.g., https://www.oebib.de/management/bibliothekspolitik/nacht-der-bibliotheken-2025). The event also has a dedicated category on Wikimedia Commons, "Nacht der Bibliotheken (Germany)." ### Participating Institutions A range of institutions participate in the Long Night of the Libraries. Examples of participants include: - Saxon State and University Library, Dresden - Dresden city libraries - Institute of Saxon History and Cultural Anthropology - TIB – Leibniz Information Centre for Science and Technology and University Library ## References 1. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20240304090331/https://www.nachtderbibliotheken.de/nachlese/) 2. [Source](https://www.bibliotheken-nrw.de/projekte/nacht-der-bibliotheken/) 3. [Source](https://www.nachtderbibliotheken.de/)