18 September 2025 press release

The German Museum of Books and Writing at the German National Library is launching a new interactive educational format for literature alled BookTalkWalk. This will consist of walks with the books of the century. During each walk, prominent members of Leipzig's urban community will introduce their personal book of the century and discuss it with the public. The BookTalkWalk series is the result of a partnership between walking expert Bertram Weisshaar, philosopher Dr. Rainer Totzke and historian Prof. Dr. Ulrich Brieler and is initially set to continue for a period of two years.

Walking and reading – they have a lot in common: both allow “brief escapes” from everyday life, both open up new perspectives. So what could be more natural than to combine a walk with a discussion of a book that changed world views? Physical movement also sets one’s thoughts in motion.

During each BookTalkWalk, a well-known celebrity will introduce a book which has made a lasting impression on them and which they return to time and again because it always offers fresh perspectives on the world and sparks critical questions about the present. The walks last approx. 90 minutes and take in some of the Book City of Leipzig's most remarkable locations – including quite a few lesser-known "hidden places".

The BookTalkWalk series gets under way on Sunday 21 September at 15:00 with Heiko Rosenthal, Leipzig's Mayor for Environment, Climate and Sport, discussing Dave Goulson's book "Das Summen in der Wiese". (Starting point: German National Library).

The second BookTalkWalk will take place on Tuesday 7 October at 17:30 with Mayor for Culture Dr. Skadi Jennicke talking about Christoph Hein's book "Verwirrnis". (Starting point: Coffee Baum, Fleischergasse 4).

Participation in BookTalkWalks is free of charge.

This event series has been organised by the German Museum of Books and Writing at the German National Library in cooperation with Transformatorenwerk Leipzig e.V., Denkwege e.V. and Expedition Philosophie e.V. as part of the City of Leipzig's 2025 theme year, “More than a Story. Book City Leipzig“

Compact schedule overview:

21 September 2025, 15:00, starting point: German Museum of Books and Writing at the German National Library, BookTalkWalk with Environmental Mayor Heiko Rosenthal (discussing Dave Goulson's book “Das Summen in der Wiese – Das geheime Leben der Insekten“)

7 October 2025, 17.30, starting point: Coffee Baum (Fleischergasse 4): BookTalkWalk with Mayor for Culture Dr. Skadi Jennicke (about Christoph Hein's book "Verwirrnis")

Information: https://www.dnb.de/EN/Ueber-uns/DBSM/BookTalkWalk/BookTalkWalk.html

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. 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 Museum of Books and Writing and the German Exile Archive 1933-1945, 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.

The German National Library welcomes donations to support its work. Whether for general purposes or specifically for the areas of education, collections, cultural programmes and research - donations help us preserve our national cultural heritage, educate our public in the fields of science and culture, and kindle their enthusiasm. Any support helps!
www.dnb.de/EN/engagement

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