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Get a library card

  • Partnerschaft und Familie
  • Ausweise und Dokumente

To borrow books and other media from the city libraries in Bremen, you need a library card (BIBCARD). Find out more here.

  • Basic information

    Once you have registered at a city library, you will receive a library card (BIBCARD) in person or by mail. With the BIBCARD, you can borrow or reserve books and other media at a city library, as well as access additional library services (such as movie and music streaming). You must present your BIBCARD for every loan.

    The BIBCARD is free for certain groups of people:

    • Children and teenagers up to age 18. 
    • Apprentices of any age. 
    • Anyone completing a Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) or Federal Voluntary Service (BuFDi).
    • Students at the State of Bremen’s universities (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 certifying use for work purposes at your library. The document must be signed by your childcare center director and include the center’s stamp).
    • Community leaders:
      • People who work in refugee shelters.
      • Volunteers with the Volunteer Agency.
      • Members of organizations that focus on integration and language learning.
      • Volunteers working with older adults, such as neighborhood helpers or volunteers in nursing homes.
      • Volunteers providing patient care, such as the “Green Ladies.”
      • Reading mentors in schools.
      • Helpers who support people with disabilities, such as inclusion aides or personal assistants.
      • Volunteers at adult education centers who help with learning.

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

    • a pension card
    • a Bremen Pass
    • a certificate from the Employment Agency confirming that you are receiving Unemployment Benefit I or Basic Income Support
    • a certificate from the Office of Social Services confirming receipt of living assistance
    • basic income support for the elderly or those unable to work, or BaföG
    • a valid KammerCard from the Bremen Chamber of Employees
    • a library card for the Institut Français or the Instituto Cervantes, or a fee-based library card from the State and University Library of Bremen

    Requirements

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

  • Procedure

    You can register for the BIBCARD online or get it on site at one of the 8 locations.

    Online

    • You can only register online if you have your first or second place of residence in zip code areas 27 and 28.
    • Use the online service "Online registration for new customers".
    • Fill in the form and send it off.
    • The library will check your data.
    • The next working day (Monday to Friday) you will receive an e-mail with your BIBCARD number and further information.

    On site

    • Visit one of the 8 city libraries
    • Please bring a valid identity card or passport with a registration certificate and, if applicable, proof of a free or reduced-price BIBCARD.
    • Please fill out a registration form. You will receive this on site.
    • Children and young people up to the age of 18 also need the signature of a parent or legal guardian. The parent or legal guardian must also bring a valid identity card or passport with a registration certificate.
    • You will receive the BIBCARD immediately on site.

    More information

    Digital BIBCARD

    • A spontaneous visit to the library and the BIBCARD is at home? That's no longer a problem. Simply download the app to your smartphone and you'll always have your BIBCARD with you.

      And this is how it works:

      • Do you have an iOS device? Download the "Bremen City Library" app from the AppStore and log in with your access data.
      • In the menu under "ID" you will find the barcode of your BIBCARD, which you can use to borrow or renew media.
      • Do you have an Android device? Please download the app "mobilOPAC Recherche und Konto".
      • Select the Bremen location in this app. From this point on, you can use the app as usual and the Bremen City Library logo will be displayed as an app icon.
      • In the Android app, you will also find your BIBCARD in the menu under ID card.

    You can also find out more under "Further information" - "Video 'Our digital BIBCARD'".

    • Pupils in Bremen can also create a digital BIBCARD using their school iPad. Find out more under "More information" - "Create a digital school BIBCARD for students in Bremen".
    • Teachers in Bremen can use the free BIBCARD for teachers on their work iPad. Find out more under "Further information" - "Create a digital Bibcard for teachers in Bremen".

    Reusing the BIBCARD: If your BIBCARD has expired and you no longer need it, please do not throw it away. The City Library can reactivate the card for you at any time if you wish to use it again in the future.

  • Necessary Documents
    • 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.

  • Online Services

  • Fees / Costs

    An overview of the costs can be found under "Legal basis".

  • Deadlines & processing time

    What deadlines must be paid attention to?

    The fees are payable annually.
    Subscription BIBCARD: The BIBCARD is valid permanently and without interruption.
    Regular BIBCARD: The BIBCARD is valid for 12 months from the date of issue or renewal. After this period, you must renew the BIBCARD at one of the city libraries.

    How long does it take to process

    You will receive your card immediately on site. If you register online, you will receive your BIBCARD number by e-mail as soon as possible.

  • Legal Bases

  • More Information

This page has been automatically translated by DeepL. We cannot guarantee that the translation is correct.

The official information in German is complete and correct. 30.07.2026

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