German-American Cultural Center Library

The Sacramento Turn Verein (STV) welcomes you to visit its unique library, the German-American Cultural Center – Library (GACC – L), often simply referred to as “The Library.” With some exceptions, the GACC – Library is usually open to the public on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on the first Tuesday of the month (September-June) from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

What makes this Library so unique? The Library offers a wealth of specific information to anyone interested in German culture, traditions, history, and German Americana. The term German culture is extended to the bordering German-speaking countries of Austria, Switzerland (and Liechtenstein.)

Visitors and members may browse for books and DVDs, but they may also read German newspapers and magazines, watch German television, study the large German map, and attend monthly meetings and cultural programs. In addition, visitors have found the Library to be a satisfying and comfortable meeting place for holding discussions during open hours.

As an official Section of the Sacramento Turn Verein, the Library houses the archives of the STV, founded in 1854, and aims to preserve and to promote German culture and language in the Sacramento area. The present Library was renovated and opened in 1998 due to the efforts of several Turn Verein members, including Dr. Jon Igelman, Hans Joachim Raschack, and Günther Laudi, to mention a few. It became an official “Section” of the STV in 2001.

Shortly after it was established, the GACC – L began circulating a quarterly publication, Mitteilungen, (in English), to share pertinent information about German culture, the STV monthly calendar, and the German Language School schedule.

Membership in the GACC – L includes a paper subscription to Mitteilungen, the right to check out books and DVDs, and to participate in cultural activities. Membership fees are $20.00 per family annually. Our regularly scheduled meetings are held in the Library on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. German language skills are not required, but interest in German culture is desired!

The cultural activities usually occur on the third Friday of each month, with some exceptions. The activities include a few special events, such as the showing of the German Kultfilm, Feuerzangenbowle, in January and the Erntedankfest (German harvest festival) in September. “Third Friday-of-the-Month” programs include German movies (with English subtitles), guest speakers, cooking demonstrations, and a Viennese Kaffeehaus—all celebrating German culture and traditions. With the two exceptions in January and September, these events are free.

To follow announcements about our events, visit our Facebook page. Feel free to e-mail us at gacclibrarystv@gmail.com for further information, or leave a message at (916) 442-7503.