11 June 2025 press release

The Administrative Council of the German National Library has approved the decision of the selection committee to appoint Kathrin Brannemann as new Director of the German National Library in Frankfurt am Main. The decision was preceded by a comprehensive selection process with several applicants, which took place following a public call for applications.

Ms Brannemann is currently the Library Director of the Göttingen State and University Library (SUB Göttingen). Prior to this, she managed the library of the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) in Bremerhaven. In February 2026, she will succeed Ute Schwens who will retire after more than 25 successful years in this position.

Frank Scholze, Director General of the German National Library, welcomes the decision of the Administrative Council: “I am delighted that we have been able to appoint Kathrin Brannemann as my permanent representative in Frankfurt. With her leadership experience, her strategic thinking and her in-depth knowledge of the library and academic system, she will make a significant contribution to the ongoing development of the German National Library as an active cultural memory. Her perspective is a great asset - particulary with regard to implementing our strategy of preserving our cultural heritage, actively shaping digital change and consistently aligning our services with the needs of society, culture and research."

Kathrin Brannemann thanked the Administrative Council for the trust it placed in her. She said that she was looking forward to working with the staff members of the German National Library and all partner institutions: “I am very happy to accept the appointment as Director of the Frankfurt am Main location of the German National Library for whose significance I have the greatest respect. I look forward to getting involved in the German National Library’s further strategic development and in shaping its future.”

Background

The German National Library collects, documents and archives all written publications and sound recordings issued in Germany since 1913 together with works in German and about Germany published worldwide; it then makes them available to the public.  This includes all sheet music and music resources published in Germany. It offers a comprehensive range of services at its sites in Leipzig and Frankfurt am Main along with digital services that can be accessed all over the world.

With the German Exile Archive 1933-1945 and the German Museum of Books and Writing, the German National Library also has valuable and rich special collections. It regularly organises readings, exhibitions, presentations and concerts to draw attention to its treasures and promotes a culture of books, reading and music with a diverse programme of events.

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