Raczyński Library in Poznań

Facade of the Library

The Raczyński Library in Poznań ( Polish: Biblioteka Raczyńskich Poznaniu w ) is the oldest existing and one of the largest public libraries in Poland.

History

Poznań Raczyński Library was founded by the Polish nobles opened and publicists Edward Raczyński and on May 5, 1829. Raczyński donated for this purpose a starting stock of 10,000 volumes from his own library. The handing over of the house to the city of Poznan was held in 1832. All resulting maintenance costs of the library, however, were still paid even after the passing of possession of Raczyński from his private fortune. Motivation for Raczynskis Foundation was its belief that the Polish language and literature - national treasures should be protected and receive - especially in the period of the Prussian dominion over that part of Poland.

Regardless of religious affiliation, nationality or social background, all people had access to the library and its collection. The user group was composed mainly in the 19th century Polish scientists, writers, journalists, activists and students together. For this the Raczyński library was a meeting place and most important educational and research institute of the region, as well as a symbol of national Polish culture. During the 19th century and in the interwar period, the library's stock increased further. During the Second World War was the library, like all other cultural facilities reserved exclusively for the Germans in the city and forbidden for Poland. Thanks to the efforts of Józef Raczyński the holdings of the library were not scattered. During the fighting around Posen in January 1945, the library suffered great losses. The Germans destroyed the building of the library were destroyed causing approximately 180,000 media in flames, which accounted for 90 % of the stocks. By outsourcing the most valuable books by Obrzycko in 1943 by Józef Raczyński about 17,000 volumes were saved. That was the foundation for the existence of Raczyński library after the war.

Until the historic building of the library in 1956, reconstructs the collection was housed in a school. In the following time he managed the library to position itself as one of the most important libraries in the country due to its historical, cultural and scientific meaningful portfolio. The user base presently consists both from Poland and from abroad who are interested. In 1998, the old library building was renovated and modernized. At the present time (May 2011) extends the main building of the library to a large new building to showcase the growing inventory professional.