Libraries are an inexpensive solution to the bad weather. The Zurich public libraries are a great resource, even if you don’t understand German. Most have an English language section for children’s books, audio, and movies. You can find a full list of these libraries at www.pbz.ch.
These libraries might not have over-the-top snazzily decorated children’s wings you might be accustomed to in the US. But many have a children’s corner with comfy places to sit. And they usually have a small children’s book collection in English.
Library cards
In 2024, library cards for adults are 60CHF/year, more for use the Open Library service. Kids under 18 living in Zurich get a free library card. Discount for students aged 18 to 25.
See current PBZ subscription offers.
Audio books
I got my kids hooked on audio books and we travel from library to library looking for more in their favorite series. It also gives us a good excuse to visit different neighborhoods and parks that are near the libraries, like this fun park with the giant slingshot swing next to the Zurich Hardau library shown above.
Story time in English
Most public libraries offer story time (aka Geschichtenzeit), where families can visit for free and hear fun stories read by volunteers. Story times are run in German as well as English and other languages.
The libraries want want bring families together for fun, creativity and good books, as well as sharing culture and discussing parenthood. They also want to support children’s language development in and outside of German.
Most sessions are free and require no registration. We suggest trying the story times at Aussersihl, Sihlcity, Altstadt or Unterstrass.
See the PBZ calendar for upcoming story times.
Borrowing toys & games
Some libraries have board games and puzzles that you can borrow, including Zurich Altstetten and Oerlikon. Many neighborhoods also have a Ludothek, which is a toy library that stocks board games, toys, bikes, etc. You join for a small yearly fee, then pay a small rental fee for the toys you borrow. More about Ludotheks.
Educational resources
Some have “German as a second language” and “English as a second language” text books that can help kids learning to read in either language.
I also noticed that many libraries have Lük books, which are an educational series that has the child put together a puzzle as they answer questions from the book. At the end of the page, they child checks to see if the pattern is a match. If yes, they answered all the questions correct. I saw different levels from pre-school through 6 grade. The library checks out both the books and the puzzle pieces. I think this will be a great way to introduce my 4 year old to German vocab and improve the German reading skills of my 2nd grader.
Luk educational series. The last pic shows that our pattern matches the example, meaning we answered all the questions correctly.
English language library
Another option is the American Women’s Club of Zurich, which has lots of books in English for children and adults. You can get a library-only card for 75CHF/year. I’ve had a membership for a few years and my kids love working their way through the large collection of picture books.
Happy reading!
