Sydhavnen Library

Sydhavnen Library is the local library of the southern Copenhagen neighbourhood of Sydhavnen. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in a good book, join a reading club or simply relax and enjoy the green surroundings in the library’s own orangery.  

What we are about

Located in an old manor dating back to the 1800’s, Sydhavnen Library shares a rich history. The manor is officially named Karens Minde and serves as a culture house for the neighbourhood. Built in classic Dutch renaissance style and located in green surroundings, it has earned the local nickname of ”the Castle of Sydhavnen.” In addition to Sydhavnen Library, Karens Minde houses the cultural institutions Kulturhuset, Børnekulturstedet and Lokalhistorisk Arkiv. As part of Karens Minde, the library is located at the heart of Sydhavnen and plays an active role in the cultural community of the neighbourhood. It has a strong focus on making literature available and engaging for everyone, regardless of age, gender or nationality.

The library offers both indoor and outdoor reading-spots where visitors can immerse themselves in a good book, and it hosts several literature events throughout the year. The library is home to several reading clubs and hosts several informal gatherings known as “Slabberas”, where locals come together to chat and share their thoughts on a book.

The library furthermore has an orangery specifically for families with children. Here, children of all ages can experience the wonders of literature with a wide selection of children’s books and comfortable sofas allowing for shared reading experiences. The orangery also offers a smaller collection of English picture books.

After a visit to the library, you can enjoy one of the many other cultural activities at Karens Minde. From communal dinings and concerts at the manor to petting rabbits, chickens and horses at the nearby enclosure of Børnenes Dyremark, Karens Minde offers activities for visitors of all ages.

What we have to offer

In addition to its collection of Danish literature, Sydhavnen Library offers a smaller collection of literature in Arabic, English, French, Italian, Norwegian, Spanish and Swedish. As a registered library user, you can also use the onsite computers, printers and scanners. The English-speaking staff is always ready to assist with an introduction to the library as well as digital services and activities in the local community. If you are interested in borrowing books or learning more about the events at the library, you can reach out through the website or stop by during opening hours.

How people can get involved

Sydhavnen Library is home to several volunteer-based reading clubs and the English-speaking staff can help newcomers join just the right club for them. If you are interested in joining a reading club, want to start a new one, or if you have an idea for a cultural project, you can reach out and arrange for a chat with the staff.

For more information on how to engage, please:
Visit the official website of Sydhavnen Library

How to engage?

Sydhavnen Library is an open access library, which means that visitors can borrow books and use the library’s facilities, when there is no staff in attendance. Once registered as a library user, you can come and go as you please by using your Danish health insurance card. If you are interested in registering as a library user, you can do so on the official website by using your MitID. You can also reach out to the English-speaking staff on a visit to the library, if you prefer to do it in person.

For more information on staffed and opening hours, please:
Visit the official website of Sydhavnen Library.

You can also follow Sydhavnen Library on their Facebook page or their Instagram page.

For more information on Karens Minde Culture House please:
Visit the official website of Karens Minde Culture House.