Eutin state library

In the picturesque town of Eutin, nestled in the lush landscapes of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, lies a hidden gem of historical and cultural significance: the Eutin State Library, known locally as the Eutiner Landesbibliothek. This regional research library is more than just a repository of books; it's a testament to the rich literary and cultural heritage of the region.

A Storied Past

The origins of the Eutin State Library date back to the Middle Ages when it served as the court library for the Bishops of Lübeck. As the bishops made Eutin their residence, the library grew in prominence and collection size. The 18th century marked a golden era for the Eutin court, and the library expanded significantly during this time. By the early 19th century, it boasted an impressive collection of around 6,000 volumes.

In 1816, the library underwent a significant transformation when it merged with two private collections: the 2,000-volume bibliophile collection of Captain August Moritz Appenfelder from Kiel and the 8,000-volume library of the Oldenburg jurist and writer Gerhard Anton von Halem. This amalgamation enriched the library's offerings and laid the foundation for its future as a public institution.

From Courtly Origins to Public Access

The library's transformation into a public institution was spearheaded by Duke Peter Friedrich Ludwig of Oldenburg, an enlightened ruler who believed in the power of knowledge. In 1837, his son, Grand Duke Paul Friedrich August, opened the library to the public, along with the school library of the Eutin Gymnasium, established by Johann Heinrich Voß. This marked the beginning of the library's journey as a Grand Ducal Public Library.

Throughout the 19th century, the library's collection continued to grow, thanks to private donations and exchanges with other libraries, such as the Oldenburg State Library. Notable contributions included 550 volumes from Georg Heinrich Ludwig Nicolovius, an honorary member of the Prussian Academy of Arts since 1813.

A Modern Research Library

After World War I and the collapse of the monarchy, the library became the property of the new Oldenburg state and was renamed the Landesbibliothek Eutin. The 1920s and 1930s saw it evolving into a modern public library, with the establishment of a People's Library section in 1938.

Post-World War II, the library reopened as the Eutin District Library, with its historical collection maintained as the State Library Department. However, it wasn't until the 1980s that the importance of this historical collection was fully recognized again, leading to its reorganization as the Eutin State Library in 1987. The library was subsequently expanded into a modern research facility, moving into the renovated Cavalier House at Eutin Castle Square in 1994.

A Treasure Trove of Knowledge

Today, the Eutin State Library houses approximately 80,000 volumes, along with special collections of autographs, maps, prints, musical scores, and fine press books from the 16th to 20th centuries. Its collection is particularly strong in Enlightenment literature, including fiction, travelogues, geographical works, almanacs, calendars, political literature, and works by prominent Eutin authors like Johann Heinrich Voß and Friedrich Leopold Graf zu Stolberg.

A unique feature of the library is its collection of Russian literature, reflecting the historical ties between the Eutin court and the Russian Tsarist family. Additionally, the library holds an almost complete collection of regional literature about Ostholstein, making it an invaluable resource for local historians and researchers.

Research and Collaboration

The Eutin State Library focuses on three main areas of research: historical travel literature and travel culture studies, regional literary history, particularly concerning 18th-century Eutin authors, and the regional history of Ostholstein. The library collaborates closely with the Johann-Heinrich-Voß-Gesellschaft and other local cultural institutions to promote research and scholarship.

In 1992, the Eutin Research Center for Historical Travel Culture was established, further cementing the library's role as a hub for travel literature studies. The center collects travel-related materials from the early modern period to the present and facilitates scholarly exchange through conferences and publications.

Preservation and Support

The Eutin State Library is supported by the Eutin State Library Foundation, established in 2007, and the Sparkasse Holstein Foundation, founded in 2006. These foundations ensure the library's continued operation and preservation of its invaluable collections, despite financial challenges faced by the district.

Visitors to the Eutin State Library will find themselves immersed in a world of historical and cultural riches. Whether you're a scholar, a history enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, the library offers a fascinating glimpse into the literary and cultural heritage of Eutin and beyond. A visit to this remarkable institution is a journey through time, where the past and present converge in a celebration of knowledge and discovery.