Gütersloh City Library opens its doors

On May 4, 1984, Stadtbibliothek Gütersloh GmbH, the city’s public library, opens its doors. Designed as a user-friendly facility in three parts, it includes a new library for children and young people, a media and art lending library, and a café and browsing area.Stadtbibliothek Gütersloh GmbH originated in a partnership agreement signed by the city of Gütersloh and Bertelsmann AG on June 25, 1979. The Bertelsmann Stiftung purchased the shares owned by Bertelsmann AG in 1982. The renovation of the library, located in the city center, began in the same year.

Vascular Surgery

Cerebrovascular disease is the third leading cause of death in Germany, behind malignant tumors and heart attacks. Despite increasing diagnosis and pharmacological options, its incidence has declined very little. In the past, identifying cerebrovascular disease required complicated and often stressful tests that also pose a risk to the patient. To contribute to the early recognition of this life-threatening disease, in 1984 the Bertelsmann Stiftung began sponsoring three research projects.


International Library Colloquium

From October 29 to November 2, 1984, the Bertelsmann Stiftung hosts a colloquium in Gütersloh on the topic "Public Libraries Now and in the Future – New Approaches to Goal-setting and Management." The program was designed by a working group of expert librarians from Germany and abroad. Addressing questions about new media, the use of computers in libraries, the support of libraries from central offices, public relations, and alternative financing opportunities for libraries rounded out the program for the colloquium. Under the leadership of experienced directors of major German city libraries, 25 library experts from Germany and elsewhere engage in a lively exchange of information and experiences. Participants included library directors, library scientists, researchers and advisors from eight countries with a tradition of libraries and with cutting-edge concepts in various library-related fields:  Denmark, France, Great Britain, Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United States and Germany. The topics listed are thoroughly addressed and explored in presentations and discussions.