Welcome to PBZ, the public library service in Zurich with a collection spanning over half a million items. To become a member, simply fill out a registration form (Anmeldeformular) either at the library or online at www.pbz.ch/abo.
All important information about the library service – including available media, loan periods and fees – can be found in this brochure. Current news, events and holiday opening hours are posted on our website www.pbz.ch.
If you have any questions, our team of staff will be pleased to assist you at the library. You can also contact us by email at any time: info@pbz.ch.
We wish you many hours of enjoyment and exciting discoveries at the 14 PBZ libraries located in the city of Zurich.
Subscriptions at PBZ
In principle, subscription holders can borrow 50 items from our media catalogue at a time. You can also use digital media.
PBZ Light
You can borrow physical and digital media with this subscription.
Price: CHF 60 per year
PBZ Standard
You can borrow physical and digital media with this subscription as well as access the Open Library.
Price: CHF 80 per year
PBZ Premium
You can borrow physical and digital media with this subscription as well as access the Open Library. You will not have to pay any reservation fees and you will not be charged for the first reminder per item on loan.
Price: CHF 160 per year
Children and young people up to the age of 18
Children and young people up to the age of 18 can enjoy a free library subscription, which entitles them to use the media that PBZ has to offer and to use the Open Library if they are over the age of 16.
Children and young people can borrow media with the appropriate age rating.
Reduced price subscriptions
For individuals who already have a subscription holder living at home:
25% discount on the price of the first subscription
School children, university students, apprentices and interns (from 18 to 25 years of age), as well as unemployed persons and recipients of a disability pension:
50% discount on PBZ Standard and PBZ Light
Holders of a KulturLegi card or an F, N or S permit, and foreign nationals without identification documents:
Free PBZ Standard subscription
Three-month card
As a trial subscription or simply to use the libraries on a temporary basis.
Price: 33% of the given subscription.
Additional charges
- Take-away books CHF 3 per item
- Replacement card CHF 5
- Reservations CHF 5 per item
- Incomplete return (written message) CHF 3
- Individual loan (no Open Library and no e-media) CHF 5 per item
- Processing fee if media is lost CHF 15
Reminder fees
- 1st reminder CHF 5
- 2nd reminder CHF 10
- 3rd reminder CHF 25
Institutions
Play groups, crèches, day care centres and residential and nursing care homes can register as collective users and do not have to pay a fee to use the service (this does not apply for schools and nurseries). Register your interest at the library.
Gift a subscription
A PBZ subscription is the perfect gift! You can find CHF 60, 80 and 160 vouchers in every PBZ library. Gift recipients must register themselves for legal reasons.