Housing over 5.4 million media items (of which over 3.5 million in the form of book material), Württembergische Landesbibliothek (WLB) or Württemberg State Library is the biggest scientific library in Baden-Württemberg, and its wide-ranging collection makes it one of the leading institutions of its kind in Germany. It boasts a unique manuscript collection, globally significant collections of bibles and incunabula, as well as one of Europe's most important special collections on the history of the 20th Century in its Library of Contemporary History.

The WLB supplies Baden-Württemberg's population with scientific publications and offers customers a wide-ranging selection of services catering not only to the fields of science and research but also to work and education. As a scientific universal library, its function is to collect, make accessible and archive literature published in Baden-Württemberg. It also takes part in the cultural life of the city and the region through its involvement in numerous exhibitions and lectures.

Alongside the availability of digital information and direct delivery services, the library also mediates electronic media and opens up access to network publications.

The exposed concrete building which houses the library was designed by the architect Horst Linde in 1964-70.

Foto: Württembergische Landesbibliothek