Luxembourg’s dynamic cultural life is full of unexpected hidden treasures. The country’s many libraries are architectural gems, mosaics of culture and history, and veritable oases of calm in the midst of hectic city life. Guardians of stories waiting to be unearthed. Whether urban or rural, libraries are where Luxembourg author Stéphanie Heuertz finds inspiration.

Welcome to an unconventional journey through Luxembourg! Globetrotters and culturati alike will enjoy travelling through worlds of knowledge, fantasy and inspiration in Luxembourg’s diverse libraries. Don’t be mis­taken, these are not stuffy rooms with shelves full of dusty books. Instead, you’ll enter bibliophilic oases full of life and innovation, blurring the lines between real­ity and fantasy.

“Libraries are just perfect if you want to be among people but still have your peace,” says Stéph­anie. She recounts how much she enjoyed seeking refuge in the national library - at the time still located near the cathedral - and many other libraries in Luxem­bourg and abroad to study for ex­ams. Today, as chance would have it, she runs into her own students preparing for exams. Stéphanie teaches German at

“Lycée technique pour profes­sions éducatives et sociales”, a job she finds “profoundly fulfilling”, she says.

In 2022, Stéphanie Heuertz’s children’s book “De Félix, d’Mimi an d’Lëtzebuerger Traditiounen” won young readers’ hearts. In a captivating journey through the calendar year, the book illustrates Luxembourgish traditions, customs and history in an age-appropriate way. An exciting adventure that brings to life Luxembourg’s cultural diversity. The two protagonists learn about 12 Luxembourgish traditions, including the story of John the Blind and how he was involved with the “Schue­berfouer”, why Luxembourg celebrates its national holiday in June and where the mysterious “Kleeschen” comes from. “Orig­inally it was just a crazy idea I had,” says Stéphanie. She didn’t plan to write a book. She just wanted to write down some of her ideas without a specific goal in mind. But she soon caught the eye of Schortgen publishing house and her “crazy idea” became an exciting reality. A year later, the sequel “De Félix an d’Mimi wëlle bleiwe wat si sinn”, in which the characters learn even more about their homeland, found its way into bookstores. You’ll find it in the national library under “Luxemburgensia”.

The window offers an amazing view of the gorgeous vineyards which are emblematic of this region. It is the perfect place to cosy up with a good book and enjoy the scenery. The library is furnished with relics of the past hundred years: from an ancient typewriter and the bright red 1980s telephone to the blackboard dating back to when this building was a school. An entire floor is dedicated to children so they can nestle up and immerse themselves in stories. The friendly librari­ans also offer a cup of coffee for adults, or piece of chocolate for the kids. Stéphanie’s children, who are accompanying her on today’s tour, dive into the bowl of sweets as soon as they walk in.