Schaffhausen City Library, Public library at Münsterplatz, Schaffhausen, Switzerland.
The Schaffhausen City Library operates in two locations: the main building at Münsterplatz houses historical collections with medieval manuscripts and early prints, while the Freihandbibliothek Agnesenschütte offers modern literature and current materials. The two sites allow visitors to access both old sources and contemporary holdings.
The institution traces back to 1049 when the Benedictine monastery of Allerheiligen was founded and established a scriptorium for manuscript production. After the monastery's dissolution during the Reformation, a new collection formed around theological texts that reflected the city's changed character.
The collection reflects Schaffhausen's history through manuscripts and old prints that show how the region developed over centuries. Visitors can see in the rooms what importance the city held as a trading center and religious hub.
The two locations are easy to reach and offer different opening hours, with both available during the week. Visitors should check the exact hours before visiting, as access may vary depending on the location and day of the week.
The building houses the Ministerialbibliothek, a special collection originally gathered by Reformed clergy that contains theological works from a crucial time in the city's history. This collection shows how knowledge collections were reorganized after major social upheavals.
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