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Sophie Weiermann, KIT
24/7 Studying: The KIT Library Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary
While many people are heading home, the most productive part of the day is just beginning for others. The library is a place for learning, a safe haven, and a constant in everyday student life. It is the first stop for night owls, long days at university, and spontaneous flashes of inspiration. A look behind the scenes reveals what makes this unique place so meaningful. And as a general rule: The doors of the KIT Library are always open.
“I will be taking my exam in Fundamentals of Vehicle Systems Engineering soon,” says Nils, a bachelor’s student in mechanical engineering and a daily visitor to the library. At KIT, he has the opportunity to study around the clock: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In 2006, a pilot project was launched to keep the KIT Library open around the clock. It is a service that has since become an invaluable part of campus life and supports the diverse living situations of students.
The Library Never Sleeps
When the new building was constructed, the idea was to create a more open, welcoming space where students would enjoy spending time, in addition to studying. The opening hours have also been adjusted to reflect this change: “We are a library that strongly advocates for open science and openness – and that includes our opening hours,” says Dr. Arne Upmeier, director of the KIT Library. “Some creative ideas just do not hit you until it is three in the morning.” 20 years ago, however, it was not a given that students could be left alone with the library’s resources without staff supervision. “We were one of the first libraries in Germany to put our trust in our students, believing they would behave responsibly even at night,” adds Christine Rohde, a subject librarian.
Today, many benefit from the extended hours: “I still have classes during the day and have to work,” says Nils. “I often do not get there until 6 p.m. and stay until midnight or 1 a.m.” He tends to be someone who studies better in the evening. The library supports his natural rhythm. “If I had to study at home in the evening, I would constantly get distracted – this way, even after a busy day, I can focus on my work,” he adds.
Digitally Supported, Safely Guided
Maintaining these services requires two key components in particular: Security personnel and digitalization. “The more content that is available digitally, the less students have to rely on staff at night,” explains Upmeier. For about a year now, an AI chatbot has also been helping students with their inquiries: “In addition to questions like ‘Where can I find the book I am looking for?’, it can also tell you what is for lunch in the cafeteria,” he adds. “It also reflects KIT’s multicultural diversity by being able to communicate in any language – even Palatinate German!”
A robust security plan is essential for this service: There is both a nighttime security patrol and emergency buttons on every floor. “Please do not hesitate to press one of the buttons if you feel uncomfortable,” emphasizes Upmeier. If someone presses the button, security arrives immediately to provide assistance. “Except for a few people who are a bit loud even in the quiet area, thankfully nothing strange has happened to me yet, and I have always felt safe,” says Nils.
A Service That Thrives on Interaction
There is no doubt that the service will continue to exist: “The library should remain a place where people feel comfortable and safe 24 hours a day,” says Upmeier. “Some people even feel so at home here that they have spent New Year’s Eve with us.” At the same time, feedback – both positive and critical – is always greatly appreciated. “It is always good to get suggestions,” adds Rohde. “Even if we cannot implement everything right away, we hope the students will continue to support us over the next 20 years.”
Elisa Rachel, July 2, 2026
20 Years of 24-Hour Library
To mark the anniversary, the KIT Library South is organizing a day of activities and highlights on July 24, 2026, centered on the theme of the 24-hour library in Karlsruhe. Information and the program can be found on the KIT Library’s website and social media channels.