Ever wonder how many stories a library holds within its walls? The Oberlausitzische Bibliothek der Wissenschaften is more than just a repository of books. It is a living testament to Görlitz’s rich intellectual history.
Founded in 1950, the Oberlausitzische Bibliothek der Wissenschaften merges two significant collections. These are the Upper Lusatian Society of Sciences and the Library of Milich. The library stands as the largest in Görlitz. It is the most important regional library between Dresden and Wrocław.
Let’s step back to 1779. Görlitz was a hub of activity with around 7500 residents. It was the center of Upper Lusatia. Twenty members of the educated class gathered. They formed the Upper Lusatian Society for the Promotion of Historical and Natural History. This society evolved into the Upper Lusatian Society of Sciences in 1792.
Karl Gottlob Anton and Adolf Traugott von Gersdorff were key figures. They spearheaded the Upper Lusatian Society of Sciences in 1779. Anton was a lawyer, historian, and linguist. Gersdorff was a landlord and natural scientist. Their enlightenment ideals fueled research across many disciplines. Their collected volumes included natural science, grammar, and historic literature.
Gersdorff contributed his scientific volumes and a library of 10000 books. His collection covered physical, meteorological, and mineralogical topics. He possessed a large collection about lightning protection from the 18th century.
Anton wanted to found a busy academic society in 1779. His interests included history, law, linguistics, and Slavic studies. In 1801, he donated his scientific works and about 10000 books.
The Library of Milich has its own fascinating story. Johann Gottlieb Milich a lawyer from Świdnica. His private collection included legal and religious items. There were 7000 books, 200 handwritten scripts, and 500 coins. In 1727, it was given to the Augustum-Annen-Gymnasium in Görlitz. It was open to the public two days a week for 200 years.
The library hall was occupied in 1806. Karl Gottlob Anton donated his own library to the Society. The hall’s design was inspired by the Francke Foundations library in Halle. It also took inspiration from private libraries in central Germany and Silesia.
The Oberlausitzische Bibliothek der Wissenschaften contains about 150000 items. Roughly 40% were published before 1900. You can find rarities like the Francysk Skaryna Bible from 1517-1519. There are also incunables from the 15th century.
The library also prioritizes its collection on Jakob Böhme. He was a philosopher, Christian mystic, and theologian from Görlitz. The library holds about 1500 works and essays by him.
Today, the Upper Lusatian Library of Sciences promotes historical research. It enhances knowledge transfer in the region. Its collections offer a glimpse into the minds of past scholars. They invite us to explore the world through their eyes.