Aargau canton library, Library collection in Aarau in the Canton Aargau, Switzerland
The Aargau cantonal library in Aarau holds around 710,000 books and printed materials in its collection. The holdings also include valuable manuscripts and early printed works spanning different periods.
The library was established in 1803 and has been collecting books and documents for the region ever since. Major holdings were added in 1841 when collections from the Abbeys of Muri and Wettingen were transferred to the library.
The collection holds the Easter Play of Muri from the 13th century, one of the oldest surviving German-language dramas written in rhyming verses. This work reveals how theatrical performances were created and valued in medieval times across this region.
The library is located at Obere Vorstadt 6 in Aarau and welcomes visitors to explore its collections. You can browse the different sections and take time to discover materials that interest you.
A special treasure of the collection is the Wettinger Gradual from the 14th century featuring elaborately designed illuminated pages. This artistic manuscript came from a Benedictine abbey and shows the craftsmanship that medieval scriptoriums could achieve.
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