University and State Library of Saxony-Anhalt, Academic library in Halle, Germany.
The University and State Library of Saxony-Anhalt is the central research library of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg and the official state library of the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt. Its collections cover books, journals, manuscripts, and digital materials spread across several locations in the city.
The library traces its origins to the founding of the University of Halle in 1694 and grew steadily through donations and acquisitions during the 18th century. When the universities of Halle and Wittenberg merged in 1817, the historic collections from Wittenberg were transferred here.
The library holds one of the largest collections of medieval manuscripts in central Germany, including illuminated codices from the early Middle Ages. Researchers from across Europe come to study these original documents in person, which gives the reading rooms a notably international feel.
The main building is on August-Bebel-Strasse in central Halle, easy to reach on foot from the city center or by public transport. Because the collections are split across several buildings, it is worth checking in advance where specific materials are held before visiting.
The library holds a substantial number of printed works from the Reformation era, some originating directly from Martin Luther's circle in Wittenberg. These items arrived in Halle after the 1817 university merger and have remained part of the collection ever since.
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