Mühlbeck: Germany's first book village is experiencing a new upswing!

Mühlbeck: Germany's first book village is experiencing a new upswing!

In charming Mühlbeck-Friedersdorf, where you can look back on a long tradition of reading, Germany's first book village has recently shined in a new light. With an estimated 300,000 used books housed in the old village school, the village is a veritable mecca for book lovers. Antiquarian Myriam Gödicke, one of the last of her guild locally, has dedicated her lifelong passion for books to caring for these treasures. What is particularly noticeable is the increase in young readers, who are increasingly coming to the village with their children to experience reading and stories. This is reported by the MDR.

The book village's roots go back to 1997, when the villages of Mühlbeck and Friedersdorf came together and were inspired by the Welsh model of Hay-on-Wye. While the original 13 antiquarian bookshops have now shrunk to just two, the newly founded association “Mühlbeck Macht’s” strives to revive cultural life. Kay Hemmerling, chairman of the association, brings a breath of fresh air into the matter and recognizes the potential for community and culture in the region.

A new beginning with “Mühlbeck does it”

Local mayor Bernd Hieronymus emphasizes how important the title “Buchdorf” is for tourism. In order to make Mühlbeck more attractive for younger people, a central event location on the village square was renovated, where residents can meet in the future. Thanks to the support from the “Revierpionier” ideas competition, the association can plan a variety of activities, including reading series, festivals and musical events.

In total, the book village offers over 250,000 antiquarian books - and that's just the tip of the iceberg. The high book density means that there are hundreds of books for every resident. There are not only novels here, but also specialist books, non-fiction and many curiosities. For many, it is a very special experience to browse through the shelves and find the right book.

Cultural support and reading skills

Promoting reading culture is a central concern, which is also supported by the Book Culture and Reading Promotion Foundation is supported. Various projects strengthen the reading skills of children and young people, which is crucial for their social participation and professional success. Events such as the reading competition and various creative activities are intended to spread the joy of reading and raise awareness of the importance of books.

With the new, active approach and focus on community, education and culture, Mühlbeck-Friedersdorf could soon return to its former glory. There is a lot to discover and experience in a village that is so lovingly devoted to literature. And the best thing about it: every page of the book is an invitation to dream and discover!