Scheide Library

Scheide Library is a research collection at Princeton University housing over 150 volumes from the 15th century, including works printed by Johann Gutenberg and his contemporaries. The holdings preserve rare manuscripts and documents spanning different historical periods.

William H. Scheide accumulated these valuable books and manuscripts over decades before transferring his collection to Firestone Library in 1959. The university absorbed the entire collection into its permanent holdings in 2015.

The collection displays Shakespeare's original folios and musical manuscripts by Bach and Mozart that visitors can view today. These works show how artistic expression shaped intellectual life across centuries.

Visiting requires prior arrangements through Princeton University, and special handling protocols apply when viewing rare materials. It is best to contact the university ahead of time to confirm access requirements for your visit.

The collection holds all six earliest printed Bible editions, including the 1455 Gutenberg Bible and all 18 pre-Luther German Bible versions. These volumes trace the evolution of printing technology and how scripture spread across different languages.

Location: Princeton

GPS coordinates: 40.34950,-74.65740

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:03