Nestled in the charming town of Dillingen an der Donau in Bavaria, the Research Library Dillingen, known locally as Studienbibliothek Dillingen, stands as a beacon of learning and history. This venerable institution, a successor to the University Library of Dillingen, serves as the regional library for the northern Swabia region of Bavaria. It offers a treasure trove of resources for scientific research, professional work, and continuing education, making it a vital hub for knowledge seekers in the area.
The roots of the Research Library Dillingen stretch back to the founding of the Dillingen University by Augsburg’s Prince-Bishop Otto Truchsess von Waldburg. Established in 1567, the library was initially housed within the novum Collegium, a Jesuit college building constructed between 1565 and 1568. By 1577, the library found a new home on the west side of the building, in a space deemed unsuitable for living quarters.
The library's collection grew significantly over the years, catering to the needs of a university that boasted four faculties, including a Humanist Gymnasium. The library was eventually relocated to a grand four-wing complex constructed between 1713 and 1738. Situated in the north wing’s garden-facing central risalit, this new library spanned the second and third floors, crowned with a distinctive roof rider that remains a hallmark of the building today.
With the suppression of the Jesuit order by Pope Clement XIV in 1773, the university came under the jurisdiction of the Augsburg prince-bishopric. The secularization of Bavaria in 1802 saw the university transition into the Electorate and later the Kingdom of Bavaria. On November 3, 1803, the new ruler, Maximilian, dissolved the university. However, the Gymnasium and the seminary remained in Dillingen, and the university was reformed into a lyceum. The library was renamed the Kreis- und Studienbibliothek, with the Royal designation added between 1806 and 1918.
The 19th century brought considerable enrichment to the library’s collection, thanks to the acquisition of materials from secularized monasteries such as Wettenhausen, Elchingen, and Fultenbach. The library absorbed over 5,000 volumes from Elchingen, more than 1,100 from Fultenbach, and over 2,500 from Wettenhausen, enhancing its scholarly repertoire significantly.
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In 1965, the library was relocated to its current home in the building of the old Gymnasium, which was extensively remodeled to accommodate its vast collection of 140,000 volumes. This site, originally the Domus S. Hieronymi, was constructed in 1579/80 as housing for impoverished students and rebuilt in 1697. The present-day structure, completed in 1724/25, served as the Gymnasium until the 1960s.
Today, the library is a modern facility with a reading room housing 3,500 volumes and an exhibition space. Its historical library hall continues to safeguard invaluable works, including incunabula and ex libris from the 15th century, considered some of the oldest in the German-speaking world.
The Research Library Dillingen boasts an impressive collection of 173,029 media units and 173 periodicals. Its historical holdings include 493 manuscripts and 825 incunabula, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of European intellectual history. These treasures are meticulously preserved, providing scholars and visitors with a unique opportunity to connect with the past.
Beyond its literary treasures, the library is a feast for the eyes, with its Baroque architectural details and artistic embellishments. The building's façade, adorned with elegant windows and a stately entrance, reflects the grandeur of its historical context. Inside, visitors can admire intricate woodwork and sculptures that echo the artistic spirit of the Baroque era.
The Research Library Dillingen is more than just a repository of books; it is a living testament to the enduring pursuit of knowledge. As it continues to serve the academic community and the general public, the library remains a cornerstone of cultural and intellectual life in Dillingen an der Donau. Its rich history and extensive collections make it an unmissable destination for anyone with a passion for history, literature, and the arts.
In conclusion, the Research Library Dillingen is a captivating blend of history, architecture, and scholarship. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or a curious traveler, a visit to this remarkable institution promises a journey through time, offering insights into the intellectual currents that have shaped Bavaria and beyond.
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