Struggling finances beset Sodann library in Staucha
The Peter Sodann Library Faces an Uncertain Future
The Peter Sodann Library in Staucha, Meissen district, is currently grappling with an uncertain future as it relies almost entirely on donations, which are rapidly declining. The library, which was established by actor Peter Sodann with the aim of preserving DDR books from destruction and oblivion, receives no funding from federal or Saxony state governments.
According to Bernd Pawlowski, a member of the library's supervisory board, the lack of funding is a pressing concern. He has requested a small, steady support of 50,000 to 70,000 euros a year, or ideally 100,000 euros, to create two jobs at minimum wage. This would enable the library to continue its operations and maintain its collection.
The library is organized as a non-profit registered cooperative since 2018. Currently, it has two employees, financed with great difficulty through donations. Cornelia Brenner-Sodann, widow of actor Peter Sodann, has expressed concerns about the lack of funds for staff to continue cataloging and processing books.
Attempts to obtain public funding have been unsuccessful so far. The Saxon Ministry of Culture confirms that the library's representatives have been approaching the federal and state governments for many years. However, the ministry sees no responsibility for the library's funding, as Peter Sodann did not act on behalf of the state.
In Saxony, no public library is institutionally funded with state funds. Project funding under certain conditions is theoretically possible, according to the Saxon Ministry of Culture. The main funding options currently are increasing donations from private sources, seeking public funding from federal or state cultural programs or grants, and possibly expanding income from the antiquarian bookshop, though it currently contributes very little.
Since Peter Sodann's death last year, the library is facing the question of what will happen next. The library's collection was started by actor Peter Sodann, who aimed to save DDR books from destruction and oblivion. The library's future remains uncertain, and securing steady public subsidies or institutional sponsorship appears essential given the cooperative’s current reliance on unstable donation streams.
[1] Source: Interviews with Bernd Pawlowski, Cornelia Brenner-Sodann, and representatives from the Saxon Ministry of Culture.
- The library's supervisory board member, Bernd Pawlowski, urges for a personal-finance boost of 50,000 to 100,000 euros annually, as this would allow for the creation of jobs and thereby ensure budgeting for the library's continued operations and collection maintenance.
- In light of the library's uncertain future, Cornelia Brenner-Sodann, widow of actor Peter Sodann, is worried about the lack of funds for staff to continue with cataloging and processing of books, an essential part of the library's personal-finance management and overall functioning.
