Open Libraries

At their core, open libraries are about removing barriers—whether those barriers are economic, geographical, or social—to create environments where everyone has the opportunity to learn, share, and grow. More than just repositories of knowledge, they are active hubs for community engagement and intellectual exchange.

This is the underlying idea of our Open Library of Critical Thinking (OLCT), based at the office by hbs Tirana. The end goal of OLCT is to make critical publications more accessible and create a safe space for progressive communities.  The first step involves opening the office to local communities for readings, research, and intellectual activities. The second focuses on translating relevant works into Albanian or supporting independent publishing houses in producing critical books.

In these ways, we wish to promote socio-environmental publications, encourage the development of progressive terminology in the local language and ensure that the knowledge produced in global contexts is accessible and relevant to local communities.

Our collection

It’s challenging to fully capture the breadth of our collection, but we can give you an overview. Our library includes critical literature, books that question established norms, theories, and ideologies. We cover a wide range of social sciences, including philosophy, political science, gender studies, sociology, economics, anthropology, and more.

Our collection contains works by some of the most influential thinkers. In addition, we have specialized books on topics like art and culture, architecture and design, urban planning, and sociology. We also pride ourselves on having unique books that are hard to find elsewhere, including publications from Valiz and Feminist Press. Our collection highlights social movements, with a strong focus on feminist, queer, and other socially-engaged literature. You’ll find works by Simone de Beauvoir, Judith Butler, bell hooks, and other voices from underrepresented or marginalized communities.

Currently, we are working on an inventory and categorization of our books to help provide a clearer picture of what’s available. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to us at info@al.boell.org for more information.
 

Visual for Open Library
Visit us
Our library is open by appointment, so if you'd like to visit, please reach out to us in advance via social media or email. You can find the library on the third floor of the Destil Creative Hub building, on Zog I Boulevard. Upon arrival, look for a gray-to-black door to the right of the bar entrance. Please note that the building currently does not have an elevator, so you'll need to take the stairs to reach our offices. When you get to the top, ring the bell. We are just five minutes from the city center, easily accessible by any bus line that stops there. If you cycle, there is bike parking available downstairs. Once you arrive, we’ve ensured everything you need for a comfortable visit: ample lighting, filter coffee and plants to set the mood.

Into our library

Our Open Library of Critical Thinking brings you key ideas from groundbreaking books—now just a click away. Watch, reflect, and join the conversation!

Open Library of Critical Thinking - Philosophy & Social Sciences - Heinrich Böll Foundation Tirana

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© Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung e.V.
Schumannstraße 8
10117 Berlin
T +49 (30) 285 34-0
F +49 (30) 285 34-109
www.boell.de
info@boell.de