Württembergische Landesbibliothek (State Library of Württemberg), Stuttgart

The State Library of Württemberg (Württembergische Landesbibliothek), located in Stuttgart, boasts a rich history and significant contributions to academic and cultural preservation. Founded on the 37th birthday of Karl Eugen, Duke of Württemberg, in 1765, the library began as the Ducal Public Library in Ludwigsburg before relocating to Stuttgart in 1777. Under the Duke’s stewardship, it amassed over 100,000 volumes by the time of his death.

Today, the library is the fourth-largest library in Baden-Württemberg, holding approximately 4 million volumes, and is renowned for its extensive collections, including a vast array of medieval manuscripts and one of the world’s largest Bible collections. The State Library of Württemberg serves a critical archival function, collecting and preserving literature from and about the Tübingen Administrative District and Stuttgart—territories that largely correspond to the historic region of Württemberg.

Legally entitled to a copy of every work published in the state, the library’s holdings have expanded continually through both acquisitions and legal deposits. It became part of the Stuttgart University library system in 1967, aligning closely with the academic needs of the University of Stuttgart, the Stuttgart College of Music, and the Stuttgart Academy of Arts, particularly in the humanities.

Despite severe damage to nearly half of its collection during a World War II air raid, the State Library of Württemberg has made considerable post-war recovery efforts. A new building inaugurated in 1970 has helped continue its mission of cultural and scholarly enrichment. Renamed over the years, the library was known as the Royal State Library in 1886 before eventually becoming the Württemberg State Library, a name that reflects both its royal heritage and its broad public mandate.