Sommerlese Stadtprozelten

Reading Under the Open Sky

Libraries invite you to readings — that's the standard routine. The Stadtprozelten Library has made something different out of it: it discovered the historic sandstone quarry behind the Old Primary School as a stage for readings. Against the unusual backdrop of the reddish stone walls, three author readings have been held each year in June and July since 2021. The series quickly established itself — the 5th anniversary was celebrated in 2025.

Three Readings, Three Genres

The concept is consistent: three dates, three different literary worlds. Traditionally, a crime writer, a local or humor writer from the Franconian region, and a historical novel author perform. In previous years, guests included: Eva Adam ("Dicke Eier in Unterfilzbach" — Franconian dialect comedy), Günter Huth with the Schoppenfetzer crime series from a Würzburg winery, and Eva Völler with historical crime novels ("Alte Taten, neuer Zorn").

Atmosphere in the Quarry

Admission is at 7 p.m. each day, with readings starting at 7:30 p.m. The audience sits on benches in front of the natural sandstone "stage." In case of rain or cold, the readings are moved to the Old Primary School. The intimate atmosphere — with only 100 to 150 seats — creates a direct connection between author and audience, something that large reading festivals can hardly offer.

Stadtprozelten on the Main

Stadtprozelten is a small town on the right bank of the Main River in the extreme northwest of Bavaria — opposite the Hessian town of Faulbach and not far from the Baden-Württemberg town of Wertheim. With the Henneburg (also called "Burg Stadtprozelten") — one of the largest castle ruins in Southern Germany — and the medieval town wall, Stadtprozelten is a hidden gem for travelers in the Mainviereck region. A visit to the Sommerlese can be ideally combined with a castle hike or a boat trip on the Main. The Sommerlese is complemented by its sister event, the Winterlese.