Nestled in the picturesque town of Görlitz, the Oberlausitzische Bibliothek der Wissenschaften (OLB) stands as a beacon of knowledge and cultural heritage. With over 150,000 volumes, it is the largest library in the city and a vital regional resource between Dresden and Wrocław. This public scientific library is part of the Görlitz Collections for History and Culture, fostering knowledge transfer and identity formation across Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
The foundation of the Oberlausitzische Bibliothek der Wissenschaften dates back to April 21, 1779, when 20 members of the educated bourgeoisie and enlightened nobility of Görlitz, then a small town in the Electorate of Saxony, came together to form a scientific society. This society, initially named the Oberlausitzische Gesellschaft zur Beförderung der Geschichts- und Naturkunde, later became known as the Oberlausitzische Gesellschaft der Wissenschaften. The library as we know it today emerged in 1950 from the union of the society's library and the Milichsche Bibliothek, which had been part of the Görlitz Gymnasium Augustum since 1727.
The library's collection is a testament to the universal interests of its founders, Karl Gottlob Anton and Adolf Traugott von Gersdorff. Anton, a jurist, historian, and linguist, and von Gersdorff, a landowner and natural scientist, were driven by Enlightenment ideals that placed human reason at the forefront. Their combined efforts resulted in a diverse collection that spans natural sciences, grammar, encyclopedias, and historical literature. Over time, the library became a significant repository of regional history, gaining prominence as the Oberlausitzer Provinzialbibliothek, although it was initially accessible only to society members.
Von Gersdorff's contributions to the library were immense. He bequeathed his scientific collections and a library of around 10,000 volumes to the society. The present-day library boasts the most extensive collection of 18th-century literature on lightning protection, a field in which von Gersdorff was particularly interested. His travel diaries, geographical works, and map collection are invaluable resources for researchers, reflecting a vibrant intellectual life in Upper Lusatia and a dynamic exchange of ideas across Europe.
Karl Gottlob Anton, who was ennobled in 1802, was instrumental in establishing the scientific society in 1779. His interests extended beyond history and law to include linguistics and Slavic studies. Anton's dedication to the study of the Sorbian language, Slavic antiquities, and early agrarian history is evident in his extensive collection of books in these fields. In 1801, he donated his scholarly works and approximately 10,000 books to the society. He also purchased a house in 1804, which he later donated to accommodate the society's growing collections.
The Milichsche Bibliothek originated as a private collection by the Schweidnitz jurists Gottlieb and Johann Gottlieb Milich and was bequeathed to the Görlitz Gymnasium Augustum in 1727. Initially focused on legal and religious texts, the collection expanded to include significant contributions from the Görlitz monastery library and donations from local citizens. Today, the library's reading room remains accessible to all, continuing the Milich family's legacy of public accessibility.
The library's main hall, completed in 1806, is a stunning example of early Neoclassical interior design. Inspired by the library of the Francke Foundations in Halle and aristocratic private libraries in central Germany and Silesia, the hall features triumphal arches of knowledge that divide the space like stage sets. The absence of ornate decorations emphasizes the power of the written word, with book spines adorning the room. During the 1951 restoration, the original stucco ceilings were artistically suggested to maintain the room's historical integrity. Today, this hall is celebrated as one of the most beautiful library spaces of early Neoclassicism.
The OLB's collection includes over 150,000 volumes, with more than 40% being historical works predating 1900. Among these are numerous rarities, such as incunabula and a collection of 16th-century pamphlets. The library also houses valuable manuscripts and approximately 3,000 historical maps and atlases, including works by Gerhard Mercator and Abraham Ortelius.
The library holds a special place for the works of Jakob Böhme, a mystic and theosophist from Görlitz who had a profound impact on European intellectual history. Böhme's writings, which gained worldwide recognition posthumously, are a focal point of the library's collection. With around 1,500 works and essays, the OLB possesses the world's largest collection on Böhme's life and work, providing extensive resources for scholars studying his philosophical, theological, and philological contributions.
In conclusion, the Oberlausitzische Bibliothek der Wissenschaften is not just a repository of books; it is a living monument to the intellectual and cultural heritage of Upper Lusatia. Its halls echo with the voices of the Enlightenment, and its shelves are filled with the wisdom of centuries. A visit to this library is a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of knowledge that has shaped this region and beyond.
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