News/Events


Author Reading with Dagmar Petrick: „Peter und die Macht der Buchstaben“

[Translate to Englisch:] © Neukircher Verlagsgesellschaft

On 22 October, Dagmar Petrick presents her new children's book at the Gutenberg-Museum MOVED: an adventure story about a boy who meets the inventor of printing

Strasbourg, 1437: In the shadow of the cathedral, eleven-year-old Peter carves trinkets for the pilgrims, with his dog Töffel always at his side. Life is not easy. Together with his sister, he has fled from their violent father, and now the two of them must fend for themselves. Then Peter meets a man working on a mysterious invention: Johannes Gutenberg. And of all people, Gutenberg needs Peter's help. In his hidden workshop, Gutenberg is developing printing with movable metal type. But war, plague and money troubles threaten the project again and again.

In „Peter und die Macht der Buchstaben“ (Peter and the Power of Letters), Dagmar Petrick combines a gripping adventure with well-founded historical knowledge. Written for young readers, the book takes them into everyday life in the 15th century. They see how people lived and worked at the time, and they are right there as the beginnings of printing take shape in Gutenberg's workshop. It is a story about courage and friendship. It also tells of the value of books at a time when reading and writing were the privilege of a few.

Dagmar Petrick was born in Ludwigsburg in 1970 and lives there again today. She studied English, film studies and Protestant theology in Marburg and Bochum, and has lived in England, Northern Ireland and the USA, among other places. She began by writing about film before turning to stories of her own. Today she writes mainly for young readers, often about remarkable personalities. One example is her children's book about Helen Keller, „Martha, Helen und der Weg aus der Dunkelheit“. She also writes stories for the German children's radio programme OHRENBÄR.

At the reading, Dagmar Petrick presents her new book and takes the audience on a journey back in time to late-medieval Strasbourg. Afterwards, guests are invited to stay for drinks and a chance to talk with the author.

When: Thursday, 22 October 2026, 6 pm
Where: Gutenberg-Museum MOVED, Aula, Reichklarastraße 1, 55116 Mainz
Admission free
Registration: Please mail to: info@gemeinsamfuergutenberg.de
Recommended for: Children aged 10 and up – and all adults who want to discover Gutenberg anew
The book: Dagmar Petrick, „Peter und die Macht der Buchstaben“, Neukirchener Verlag 2026, hardcover, €16, ISBN 978-3-7615-7090-6

Program of events

Our current program of events you can find here.

Events

Treffpunkt Gutenberg organized by "Together for Gutenberg"

The popular event series of the International Gutenberg Society in Mainz e.V. invites members and all those interested to engaging lectures. Experts from the world of printing and media contribute to the success of this series on a voluntary basis, in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. A glass of wine is served afterwards, offering space for conversation and networking. Admission is free.

Launched in 2006 under the title "Jour Fixe", this series is aimed at book and media enthusiasts who wish to expand their knowledge through academic talks followed by lively discussions – and to meet like-minded people along the way. The series was initiated by Günther Lindner and Hartmut Flothmann as a midday meeting at the Gutenberg Museum. In 2018, the "Jour Fixe" became an evening event held at the Kulturei (Citadel), continuing the original founders’ vision.

In 2024, the series was renamed "Treffpunkt Gutenberg" to emphasize its openness to a wider audience. Together with the Gutenberg Museum Mainz and the Gutenberg Foundation, we now organize readings, exclusive guided tours, and lectures covering a wide range of topics related to books, printing, and media culture.

If you work in the book or media sector and would like to share your field of expertise with an interested audience, we warmly invite you to contact our office.

The current topics and dates can be found in our event program.
Please register via email: info@gemeinsamfuergutenberg.de or by phone: +49 6131 226420.

Discussion Series: “Longdrinks” organized by interns of the International Gutenberg Society

This student-led event series explores exciting and relevant topics from the book and media industry in an informal setting. Each discussion evening offers a great opportunity to hear different perspectives, engage with current debates, and take away new insights. Admission is free!

The series is planned and hosted by the interns of the Gutenberg Society and takes place in various locations in Mainz.

The latest dates and discussion topics can be found in our event program.
Please register via email: info@gemeinsamfuergutenberg.de or by phone: +49 6131 226420.