05.05.2026 | New District Library in Rheydt
Refurbished areas in the former Karstadt building officially handed over to the city
Representatives of the Mönchengladbach Development Corporation (EWMG) have officially handed over the refurbished premises for the new Rheydt District Library in the former Karstadt building on Rheydter Markt to the City of Mönchengladbach. In just ten months, the ground floor of the former department store was renovated in a resource-efficient manner and converted for use as a modern, energy-efficient and fully accessible library.
A new, transparent entrance area featuring a spacious sliding door system visually opens up the building towards the market square, creating a seamless transition between the urban environment and the interior, and extending a warm and open welcome. The bright, modernised surfaces create a harmonious spatial continuum offering a high quality of environment, which, thanks to the understated colour and material scheme, has a subtle and calming effect. A large library window overlooking the market square, complete with a variety of seating options and charging points, invites visitors to read, work and linger. Newly designed toilet facilities with a dedicated children’s cubicle and an accessible toilet for all, a free drinking water station and a library-owned office wing of around 400m², which is flooded with natural light thanks to new openings in the façade, complete the forward-looking layout.
This summer, the new district library will open its doors, offering around 2,050 square metres of space featuring various themed areas, reading and study zones, a gaming lounge and many other facilities, serving as an open, inclusive space for all residents.