Germania Judaica, Jewish studies library in Cologne, Germany

Germania Judaica is a specialized library in Cologne dedicated to studying Judaism in German-speaking regions. The collection holds extensive materials including books, newspapers, and documents that systematically document this subject across many decades.

The Germania Judaica was founded in Cologne in 1959 by a citizens' initiative that included Heinrich Böll, Paul Schallück and Wilhelm Unger, after Martin Buber's 1958 visit. Buber advised not to fight antisemitism directly but to present Jewish history accurately. The desecration of Cologne's synagogue at the end of 1959 underscored the need. The library opened with 180 printed works in the Hansahochhaus and has been housed in the Stadtbibliothek am Neumarkt since 1979.

The name reflects the long history of Jewish communities across German-speaking lands, and the collection tells their stories through books and documents. Visitors can see how these traditions shaped local life and left lasting marks on the region.

The library is centrally located in Cologne and welcomes visitors. It is best to call ahead or check online for the exact opening times, as hours vary depending on the day.

The library is often confused with the Germania Judaica research project, begun in 1903, which compiles an alphabetical register of every locality in the German Reich where Jewish settlements existed up to the Congress of Vienna. The Cologne library, founded in 1959, is a separate institution.