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University and City Library of Cologne

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  • A depiction of the initial "A" from Johannes Gropper; two men can be seen in the background. The men radiate holiness. Enlarged view:
    Initial from Johannes Gropper, Christliche und katholische Gegenberichtung ...
  • A portrait of Franz Ferdinand Pape looking forward; from the portrait collection of the University and State Library Bonn Enlarged view:
    Franz Ferdinand Pape, Bonn University and State Library, Portrait Collection
  • A cut-out sheet with the building of the grammar school library around 1900; with figures as well as individual elements of the building to cut out. Enlarged view:
    Neuruppin cut-out sheet with the building of the grammar school library, c. 1900, Cologne Grammar School and Foundation Fund
  • A photo of a bookshelf with old books from the then grammar school library. Enlarged view:
    The Grammar School Library in the USB Magazine

Gymnasium Library - Book treasures from lost monastery libraries

The present Gymnasium Library was built during the French occupation of Cologne (1794-1814). Its collections are from various secularised monasteries and from the three old Cologne grammar schools Tricoronatum, Laurentinum and Montanum. The library of the Tricoronatum formed the basis of this collection, whose origin goes back to the year 1450. When the Jesuits settled in Cologne in 1544, the grammar school became a Jesuit college. The books of this library represent the largest part of the Gymnasialbibliothek today. In the following years, the collection of books grew through estates and donations from Cologne citizens and publishers. The main collection of books divided into four sublibraries in the 18th century comprised around 6,500 volumes in 1725. Due to the predominantly Jesuit orientation, theological and philosophical works dominate. In addition, there is a wealth of rare and valuable works from a wide variety of disciplines. During the French annexation, the Gymnasium Library was systematically searched for treasures. Later it was hardly possible to find out which objects were confiscated, since an inventory had been banned. The library was particularly exposed to robbery because it was the first large collection of books owned by the French Revolutionary troops.