Centuries of stories reside within these walls. This is the Ratsbücherei Lüneburg. It stands as one of Germany’s oldest municipal libraries. More than 600 years of history are preserved within its collection.
The Ratsbücherei began as “des rades liberie.” This means “the council library”. The library was initially located in the town hall. Later, in 1555, it merged with the Franciscan Monastery’s library. The collection found a new home in the monastery building on Marienplatz.
Today, the Ratsbücherei is a modern city library. It has three locations. The main branch is here at Marienplatz. There is also a children’s and youth library in Klosterhof. You can find another branch in Kaltenmoor.
The main branch on Marienplatz offers something for everyone. Here you will find the latest novels and informative nonfiction. Magazines and newspapers are available. There are board games, console games, audiobooks, CDs, and DVDs. Comfortable seating invites you to browse and relax. Free internet access is available.
The Ratsbücherei also offers online resources. These include Onleihe Niedersachsen for e-books and Munzinger databases. Brockhaus provides current online information.
Consider the Altbestand, the old collection. If you want to view these titles, you can do so during opening hours by appointment.
For centuries, the Ratsbücherei gathered works from other libraries in Lüneburg. Gifts from Lüneburg’s patricians, doctors, and pharmacists helped grow the collection. Today, the library owns a treasure trove of historical documents. It holds 796 manuscripts and 1,131 incunables. About 20,000 prints from the 16th to 18th centuries are also part of the collection. Around 15,000 volumes date from the 19th century. The Lüneburg legal manuscripts are especially important. The Sachsenspiegel from around 1410 is one example.
In combination with the youth library and the Kaltenmoor branch, the Ratsbücherei now holds approximately 190,000 items.
The Freundeskreis supports the Ratsbücherei. This association helps preserve the Altbestand. It promotes the library’s development and considers user interests. The Freundeskreis also informs citizens and politicians about the library’s importance. They work with schools and other cultural organizations. They also seek sponsorships.
The Ratsbücherei Lüneburg is more than just a library. It’s a living archive. It’s a community hub. It’s a place where the past meets the present.