40 Years of the Environmental Library: Samizdat, Counterpublics and Freedom Today

The Environmental Library Berlin was founded 40 years ago. From 1986 onward, it developed into an important hub of the East German opposition: independent information was collected, samizdat publications were produced and distributed, and spaces for critical exchange were created. On the occasion of its anniversary, the Robert Havemann Society takes these experiences as a starting point for a look at the present.

At the beginning of the evening, young people will present the results of a samizdat workshop and show how counterpublics were created in practice under the conditions of a dictatorship. A panel discussion will then draw a line from the East German opposition to today’s freedom and democracy movements. The discussion will focus on independent public spheres and freedom of information, personal networks, state repression, and the question of how people can remain visible and capable of action even under authoritarian conditions.

Belarusian journalist and former political prisoner Ksenia Lutskina, journalist Sham Jaff, and contemporary witness Tim Eisenlohr have confirmed their participation in the discussion. Their different experiences connect historical perspectives on the Environmental Library and the East German opposition with present-day struggles for free information, democratic participation, and civic agency.

The event is funded by the Berlin State Agency for Political Education.

In German. Start time to be announced.

Location:
Robert-Havemann-Gesellschaft e. V.
Veranstaltungssaal 3. Etage, Klosterstraße 66, 10179 Berlin

Step-free access. Entrance via the courtyard of the Parochialkirche.