Literary highlights: Free readings at the University of Paderborn!

Literary highlights: Free readings at the University of Paderborn!

Exciting literary readings that are intended to enrich the cultural landscape will start at the University of Paderborn in the winter semester of 2025/26. The Institute for German Studies and Comparative Literature as well as that Center for German-language contemporary literature of the university organize these events, which have a long tradition. Over 250 renowned contemporary authors have taken part in it over the past few decades.

The readings take place on Mondays at 4:15 p.m. in Lecture Hall G. Admission is free. The events are led by Prof. Dr. Norbert Otto Eke and Prof. Dr. Stefan Elit moderates, who as experienced literary scholars provide the framework for stimulating discussions.

Dates and authors

To start the series onOctober 20thRalf Rothmann will read from his new work “Museum of Solitude”. Rothmann, born in Schleswig in 1953, is considered one of the outstanding voices in current literature. His numerous awards, including the Thomas Mann Prize (2023), also bear witness to his literary weight.

A week later, onOctober 27th, the author Franziska Gerstenberg will present her novel “Although everything is over”. Gerstenberg, born in Dresden in 1979, has made a name for himself with several works, including “So long ago, it's no longer true” (2016). Her current novel is dedicated to the backdrop of social exploration.

Further readings are for theNovember 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24thas well as theDecember 1stplanned, with a varied program waiting for visitors.

Literary table conversations

In addition to the readings, special events will take place to mark 30 years of the Heinrich Heine Scholarship. With those historically influenced literary table discussions Franziska Gerstenberg, Björn Kern, Ulla Lenze, Markus Orths and Susanne Stephan take part.

Each event features a format that combines a 10-minute reading followed by a discussion, with three of the five guests appearing on each evening. These formats not only offer the opportunity for book signing, but also a personal exchange over a drink.

Among the participating authors is Susanne Stephan, born in 1963, who is known for her poems, short prose and essays. Her current book entitled “The Hero and His Heater: Fuels of Literature” illuminates new aspects of literature.

These literary initiatives are part of a broader trend that German Literature Archive Marbach In this context, has developed a literature portal that provides information about literary life in Germany. It includes current dates of readings, lectures and exhibitions as well as author portraits and promotes networking within the literary scene.

With these events, the University of Paderborn sets an example for the promotion of contemporary literature and offers visitors the opportunity to come into contact with living authors and experience the world of books up close.