ETH Library, Academic library in Kreis 1, Zürich, Switzerland.
The ETH Library is the main library of ETH Zurich, located in Kreis 1, and one of the largest scientific and technical libraries in Switzerland, with collections covering science, technology, and engineering. It operates across several locations on the ETH Zurich campus, with the main building on Rämistrasse serving as the central access point.
The library was founded in 1855 alongside ETH Zurich and grew over time into the country's main resource for scientific and technical information. As the university expanded, the library broadened its collections beyond its original technical focus to take in archives, maps, and historical image collections.
The ETH Library is woven into the daily rhythm of the university, used regularly by students and researchers as a working space rather than just a storage place. The reading rooms bring together old maps, historical photographs, and current journals in a way that reflects how Swiss academic life mixes tradition with ongoing research.
The main location on Rämistrasse is easy to reach by tram or bus, with several lines stopping nearby. Before visiting, it is worth checking the online catalog to see which materials can be consulted in the reading room and which need to be ordered in advance.
The library holds the personal archive of Albert Einstein, who studied at ETH Zurich, including letters and manuscripts that researchers can still consult today. This makes it one of the few places where original documents from one of the most recognized scientists of the 20th century can be seen directly.
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