Frankfurt am Main – IG Metall and Büchergilde Gutenberg are expanding their long-standing partnership and will work even more closely together in the future. The cooperation will focus on joint projects in the areas of education, the promotion of democracy, and cultural participation. Future collaboration is also planned with the Otto Brenner Foundation, IG Metall’s scientific foundation.
In recent years, Büchergilde and IG Metall have regularly co-hosted literary events, including discussion evenings on socio-political topics such as refugees and migration, as well as entertaining literary salons and readings.
Jürgen Kerner, Second Chairman of IG Metall, emphasizes the importance of culture and exchange in the face of growing social divisions:
“The divides in society are growing ever wider. This trend does not stop at the workplace or among the workforce. IG Metall is committed to resolutely addressing conflicts over distribution when necessary. That is our mission. At the same time, we are convinced that in these times, we need more spaces for encounter, culture, and exchange. I hope that we will once again organize readings in workplaces—where the people are. The Büchergilde, with its unique program and special history, is an ideal partner for this.”
Alexander Elspas, managing director of the Büchergilde, sees the partnership as a return to the roots of the book community:
“The Büchergilde has always been more than just a publishing house—it is a cultural movement. Our history is closely linked to the labor union movement. The fact that we are now reviving this connection together with IG Metall and the Otto Brenner Foundation sends a strong signal. Together, we want to create spaces where literature, education, and social engagement come together.”
The partnership is set to take shape through concrete projects—such as joint events, educational programs for young union members, and the promotion of literary projects with a sociopolitical focus. Regional activities will also be supported.
With this partnership, both organizations are building on a shared history spanning nearly 100 years—and sending a clear message about the importance of education, culture, and solidarity in a changing world of work.
The Büchergilde Gutenberg, founded in 1924 by the Educational Association of German Bookprinters in Leipzig, is the only literary book club in the German-speaking world. It emerged from the spirit of the labor movement with the goal of providing access to high-quality literature even for people from less educated social classes. Today, the Büchergilde has around 60,000 members and is organized as a cooperative.
Event Announcement:
As part of the Frankfurt Book Fair, IG Metall and the Büchergilde invite you to a literary and musical evening featuring literary experts Matthias Hartwich and Jan Wilm. The evening will focus on Mark Twain, his stories, and his characters. The event will feature musical accompaniment by blues musician Lewis Glover, and Ann Christin Krumm will read from Twain’s texts—
Friday, October 17, 7:00 p.m.
In the atrium of IG Metall, Wilhelm-Leuschner-Straße 79, Frankfurt am Main
Please register at veranstaltung@buechergilde.de
Admission is free.
More information about the event: Büchergilde Salon Mark Twain - Büchergilde
