Former imperial city library

Behind the thick leather book covers lie the stories of generations long past: whether adventurous travelogues about America or philosophical reflections, detailed drawings on how to repair a hernia or advice for womenfolk, the former Imperial City Library of Lindau (ERB) in the Old Town Hall is a treasure trove of centuries-old knowledge. It was Martin Luther who, in 1524, called on the ‘councillors of all cities in the German lands’ to create ‘good libraries or book houses’ – and his appeal was heard on Lake Constance. In 1538, at the urging of Lindau residents hungry for education and enthusiastic about reform, the Council and Citizens’ Library was opened. What began with a few hundred books from the holdings of the Franciscan monastery dissolved in 1528 grew over the centuries into the largest historical council and citizens’ library on the northern shore of the lake – almost 13,000 historical volumes were acquired through purchases by the city authorities and donations from the citizens of Lindau until the end of Lindau’s imperial city autonomy in 1802.

Past eras documented

Whether natural history or alchemy, dogmatics and morality or civil and ecclesiastical law: the hall of the town hall, built in 1422, houses a collection of local, national and international history and science. Around 140 very valuable incunabula and a coloured copy of Martin Luther’s first complete German translation of the Bible from 1534 also became the property of the library. For decades, it languished in inaccessible and damp walls – until autumn 2013, when the redesigned ERB was opened to enthusiastic guests after eight months of construction. Carefully categorised, lined up on large, heavy wooden shelves and well protected by a huge climate-stabilising glass cube, most of the books are now accessible to the public again.

Some of the historical treasures can, of course, also be viewed up close: the exhibition features a constantly changing selection of volumes on display, and a media show presents images of valuable copies. Among other things, the first edition of the Luther Bible from 1534 can be viewed. Other treasures and milestones in cultural and scientific history are also on display. An attractively designed information wall also provides exciting background information on the history of the city, its town hall and, of course, the ERB.

Guided tours and academic use

The Lindau Municipal Library offers one-hour guided tours of the ERB for groups (10–20 people) by arrangement and for a fee, during which selected works are presented. You can book a guided tour by calling +49 8382 2747470. Academic use of the works is possible by arrangement with the Municipal Library.