Intrigued by the unseen engine of Schleswig-Holstein’s library network? We are standing before the Leihverkehrs- und Ergänzungsbibliothek. This translates to the Lending and Supplementary Library. Many simply call it the LEB.
The Leihverkehrs- und Ergänzungsbibliothek is not your typical public library. It is a central hub. It supports the library system of Schleswig-Holstein. It aids German libraries in North Schleswig. Its story began long before its current name.
Back in 1923, the Zentrale für Nordmarkbüchereien laid the foundation. They established a handbook library. This library also managed scientific lending. This was the genesis of the LEB’s modern form.
A year later, the Zentrale envisioned a library for specialized tasks. This was to bolster German libraries in the German-Danish border region. In 1925, the Öffentliche Bücherei Neustadt opened. It served as a training and testing library. It aimed to counter Danish cultural influences. The library began with 2,500 books. It also had 42 newspapers and journals. A reading room held 350 volumes.
The library quickly thrived. However, high usage led to problems. By 1929, 5,523 books served 1,612 readers. There were 44,457 loans. Each book was borrowed eight times. This caused wear and tear. The library outgrew its space and staff after only four years. In 1938 a children’s reading room was added.
After the war, the library system reorganized. In 1959, the Bücherei Nordertor opened. It was one of Schleswig-Holstein’s first libraries with open shelves.
In 1973, the library transformed into the Landeszentralbibliothek. Its focus shifted to regional and scientific lending. It also maintained a supplementary collection. The library supported Schleswig-Holstein libraries. Its lending increased by 60 percent in the first year. It handled 26,800 orders.
To better reflect its role, the Landeszentralbibliothek changed its name in 2010. It became the Leihverkehrs- und Ergänzungsbibliothek. This minimized confusion with the Schleswig-Holsteinische Landesbibliothek. The LEB prioritized specialized and high-priced media. This supplemented smaller libraries’ collections.
In 2017, the LEB pioneered the use of Koha. Koha is an open-source library software. It tested the software for use in bookmobiles.
In 2018, the library closed to the public due to declining visitors. Access to the historical collection is now by appointment only.
Today, the Leihverkehrs- und Ergänzungsbibliothek holds about 140,000 items. It has over 15,000 journal volumes. The collection includes Schleswig-Holstein regional studies. It also offers audiobooks and DVDs.
The LEB oversees 35,000 volumes from Flensburg’s historical collections. These include the Propsteibibliothek. There is also the library of the Nikolaikirche. Also included is the library of the Altes Gymnasium.
The Leihverkehrs- und Ergänzungsbibliothek remains a vital resource. It supports libraries throughout Schleswig-Holstein. It ensures access to specialized literature. The LEB connects communities through knowledge.