Envision shelves stretching endlessly. These shelves contain centuries of knowledge. You are standing before the Universit\u00e4ts- und Landesbibliothek M\u00fcnster. This isn’t just a library. It’s a treasure trove of history and learning.
The Universit\u00e4ts- und Landesbibliothek M\u00fcnster is one of the largest libraries in North Rhine-Westphalia. It serves as both the University Library of M\u00fcnster and the regional library for Westphalia. Its story began in 1588. The library emerged from the Bibliotheca Paulina of the Jesuit College M\u00fcnster.
Almost 200 years later in 1780 the University was founded. The college library transformed into the University Library. The University closed in 1818. Afterward a theological-philosophical academy used the library. The University was re-established in 1902. Four years later the library moved to a new building at Bispinghof.
Disaster struck during World War II. Sixty percent of the library’s books were destroyed. The building was rebuilt at its old location by 1951. The library remained there until 1973. A new building was erected a short distance away. It was on Krummen Timpen.
The new library building underwent significant modernization from 2007 to 2009. A third floor was added. The foyer was enlarged with a glass facade. The Westfalica reading room was created. It connected to the old building via a bridge.
The Universit\u00e4ts- und Landesbibliothek M\u00fcnster holds around six million volumes. This includes 2.5 million within the ULB. Another 3.5 million are in the 146 institute and department libraries. The library also holds 20.000 current journals and 8.000 magazines.
As the state library the ULB has legal deposit rights. These rights apply to Westphalia. This has been the case since 1824 for the Prussian province of Westphalia. Since 1966 it applies to the districts of Arnsberg Detmold and M\u00fcnster.
Since 1978 the library owns the Trunz Prussica collection. It is part of a special collection. This collection contains over 40.000 volumes. They focus on former German territories.
The Universit\u00e4ts- und Landesbibliothek M\u00fcnster also boasts historical collections. These include half a million manuscripts old maps and incunabula. The incunabula and old prints date from the late 15th to the early 19th century. The oldest printed book dates back to 1476.
The library has received significant donations. One notable donation came from Alexander Haindorf. He was a Jewish physician and scholar. His donation included 2.700 works. These were mainly medical works. They contained rich illustrations.
Another unique collection is the World War I collection. It was created by Hanns Heeren. He was a librarian and art collector. The collection includes books newspapers posters and maps. It also includes artistic interpretations of the war.
The manuscript department holds a valuable music collection. It includes the Prince of Bentheim Music Collection Burgsteinfurt. This has been on loan since 1964. In 1991 the Nordkirchen music collection was acquired. It was purchased on the antiquarian market.
Leading the Universit\u00e4ts- und Landesbibliothek M\u00fcnster today is Beate Tr\u00f6ger. She continues a long line of dedicated librarians. They have shaped this institution.
The Universit\u00e4ts- und Landesbibliothek M\u00fcnster stands as a testament to the enduring power of knowledge. It connects the past with the present. It inspires future generations of scholars and researchers. Take a moment to appreciate the wealth of information. The Universit\u00e4ts- und Landesbibliothek M\u00fcnster is a place where minds expand.