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The magic of volunteering in a small non-profit organisation: On Saturday, 16th November 2024,  we at the International English Library found ourselves in a celebratory and yet reflective mood. We came together that evening for two reasons:

•  to pay homage to the Friends of the International English Library - the association that was established 25 years ago by committed readers and well-wishers to save this unique soon 80-year-old institution from closure. 

• to listen to the voices of our old and new volunteers who dedicate their time and energy despite work and home commitments to keep this library running.

Six volunteers shared their personal library stories. And each story confirmed what we volunteers already knew - our Library is much more than just about books; it’s the community spirit that makes it thrive. A shining example of how respectful relationships are built across cultures, how diversity works thanks to an inclusive safe environment, how knowledge transfer and reverse mentoring happen across generations and how personal and collective learning and growth are possible at all stages of life from interns to the elderly. 

A warm thank you to all the volunteers of the IEL and to our Friends and affiliates. Grateful to the International English Library for bringing together expats and locals and for being a home for so many.
To read more about this event - please visit our Library Voices page linked here. 

Prof. Dr. Glaap had been a long-serving and active member of the International English Library’s Beirat (Advisory Board) since the association was first formed to take over stewardship from the VHS in the late 1990s. His extensive knowledge of English literature and theatre has been invaluable to us, and his charm, wit, and willingness to engage in our events and pursuits cannot be overstated. We will miss his contribution to our Library enormously and send our sincerest condolences to his family. Please find a detailed obituary detailing his life’s work on the Heinreich Heine University's website linked here.

The International English Library was extremely honoured to be invited to the Festival of British & German Music, organised by the British Embassy to celebrate the end of Their Majesties' first State Visit to Germany. Our chairperson, Melanie Schuth, was introduced to Her Majesty The Queen, (then Queen Consort), who runs a popular online book club "The Queen's Reading Room", and they briefly discussed the perennial importance of literacy and literature.

IWIBIDUS are a dynamic network of professional expat women who for one reason or another have found themselves living in Düsseldorf.
The partnership agreement signed by IWIBDUS co-founder and chair, Katy Kennedy, and IEL chair, Melanie Schuth, will allow for greater mutual organisational support and a range of collaborative activities in the future. 

Our partnership with
MLS in Oklahoma, USA!
www.metrolibrary.org/blog/2021/05/prost-we-found-our-sister-library-dusseldorf-germany www.metrolibrary.org

Under the leadership of English teacher and chair of the IEL's Schools Sub-Committee,  Julia Strohmeyer, the two historical Dusseldorf organisations that have been working closely together for the past year and a half and have now formally ratified their partnership.
Read more about this Kooperationsvertrag on the Education Page of our website linked here.