Public access to university libraries

Are the university libraries open to the public in Munich? Or are they blocked by armed guards who check your shoes and ask if your papers are in order?

In my home town, you can go to the (state) uni libraries and browse the stacks, or spread out on a big table and get some work done when you want a quiet place to work, or just need to get out of the house.

I know over at Gasteig on Rosenheimerstr. they wouldn't let me in to the library with a backpack. Like who doesn't go to a library with a laptop these days?

search and ye shall find:

http://www.toytowngermany.com/munich/English_Libraries

Lots of stores don't allow bags either. Lots of libraries have lockers so you can deposit your bag there and just bring in the laptop.

The University libraries mostly use an ordering system, so all the books are in storage somewhere. You order the book in advance on the internet and then go pick it up the next day. This means that you can't browse the books as you would in a traditional library. The exception is the TUM library on the Arcisstrasse side of the campus (2nd floor) which has books on the shelves. But it's not that large for a uni library, it only has books relevant for the studies. You don't need to show ID to get in as far as I can remember. There's lockers opposite for bags.

Your best bet is to register at the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek. Anyone can join (take your passport). You can order books online and then pick them up 2-3 days later. They have a huge selection of English books (you can reach the catalogue via the website - look for 'OPACplus). Not sure what their fiction section is like, but for non-fiction I found lots of stuff I wanted.

Oh yeah, the point about ordering books from the Uni libraries is that you have to be a student to do this. But the Staatsbibliothek sources its books from libraries all over Bavaria, including all the uni libraries, so that's your best bet. There's also a huge reading room if you want to work there, not sure about laptops though. This is also a great place to eye up fit female students, although I don't suppose it would be appreciated it if you started talking to them in the library. You could also try the city library, there's desks to work at there.

Small Town Boy, does it cost to join the Bayerishe library? If so, what? I can probably find this online, but maybe you can save me the hunt.

It's free, as far as I can remember. There's info here.

Make sure you take your passport with you, the woman there took great pleasure from sending me away because I 'only' had a driving license.