Exile Collections of the German National Library

Introduction

One of the special activities of the German National Library involves the collection and processing of printed and non-printed documents of German-speaking emigrants and exiles during the period from 1933 to 1945.

The German National Library maintains two exile collections: the Collection of Exile Literature 1933 - 1945 of the German National Library and the German Exile Archiv 1933 - 1945 of the German National Library. Both contain printed works written or published abroad by German-speaking emigrants as well as leaflets, brochures and other materials produced entirely or in part by German-speaking exiles.

In addition the German Exile Archiv 1933 - 1945 collects archival materials (e. g. partial and complete legacies and collections).

The printed and non-printed documents are made available to scholars and presented to the broader public in exhibitions and various publications.

The materials of the exile collections are available in the reading rooms. Use of non-printed materials is by appointment only. Due to personal data protection and copyright considerations special rules apply of such documents. Materials by or about living persons may be consulted only with their approval.

German exile journals and newspapers of the years 1933 to 1945 are sources of great interest to scholars in a wide range of disciplines. The project Exilpresse digital gives the framework for the digitisation, cataloguing and release for consultation and provides free global access to these materials via the Internet.

Opening hours:
Sammlung Exil-Literatur 1933 - 1945 at the German National Library Leipzig:
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Deutsches Exilarchiv 1933 - 1945 at the German National Library Frankfurt am Main:
Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Regulations for users (available only in German)
Selected Exile links