Deutsche Nationalbibliothek (German National Library), Leipzig

The German National Library (Deutsche Nationalbibliothek) in Leipzig is a cornerstone of Germany's cultural heritage and a significant institution in the global library community. As the central archival library and national bibliographic center for the Federal Republic of Germany, it is tasked with collecting, permanently archiving, documenting, and recording all German and German-language publications since 1913, as well as foreign publications about Germany, translations of German works, and works by German-speaking emigrants published abroad between 1933 and 1945. The library not only preserves these works but also ensures they are accessible to the public. Additionally, it houses important special collections like the Deutsches Exilarchiv 1933–1945 (German Exile Archive), the Anne-Frank-Shoah-Bibliothek, and the German Museum of Books and Writing.

The main building of the German National Library in Leipzig, located near today's Alte Messe, was constructed between 1914 and 1916, based on designs by architect Oskar Pusch. This impressive structure, with a 160-meter-long façade facing Deutscher Platz, was made possible by the city's donation of land and funding provided by Friedrich August III, King of Saxony. The façade features the likenesses of Otto von Bismarck, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and Johannes Gutenberg, while statues symbolizing various fields such as Technology, Justice, Philosophy, and Medicine adorn the exterior. Inside, the central reading room boasts an Art Nouveau-style mural of Arcadia by Ludwig von Hofmann, and the staircase showcases a mural depicting the library's founders.

The German National Library actively collaborates both nationally and internationally, leading bibliographic standards in Germany and influencing global library practices. This keeps the library at the forefront of the bibliographic community, promoting German culture and knowledge worldwide.