International Youth Library, Youth literature library in Blutenburg Castle, Munich, Germany
The International Youth Library is housed within Blutenburg Castle on Munich's western outskirts and holds hundreds of thousands of books in their original languages from dozens of countries. The building pairs historical rooms with modern collection areas, featuring both a public lending section and an extensive research archive for scholars.
Founded in 1949 by Jella Lepman after World War Two, the library began as a peace initiative to rebuild German culture through literature for young people. The project rapidly grew from its opening collection into one of the world's largest repositories of children's and youth literature.
The library features exhibitions devoted to German-language authors like Michael Ende and Erich Kästner that visitors can explore at their own pace. Walking through these spaces, one experiences how the place bridges international youth literature with the heritage of German children's books.
Visitors can explore the public section freely, with many titles available for borrowing and spaces that are straightforward to navigate. Those interested in deeper research should inquire in advance about accessing the extended archive collections.
Every two years the library organizes the White Ravens Festival, bringing together international authors to celebrate exceptional children's books selected from around the world. This gathering attracts literature professionals and enthusiasts eager to discover emerging trends in youth publishing.
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