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History of the Library
Warteschule, Alte Marktstraße 40, 1914-1946
Hamelns first public library was opened on February 3rd 1914, and already contained 3,200 books.
Dr. Wilhelm Renken
Director of the public library, 1919-1961
After the second world war, the library was given a new home in the Rattenfängerhaus (Pied Pipers house) between 1946 and 1950.
Issue desk and reading room:
In 1950 the library moved house once again: it was to spend more than twenty years on the "Long Wall". In order to create more space, the childrens library was moved to Hermannstraße in 1957.
Langer Wall 1950-1972
For the first time, customers had direct access to the shelves in the new library.
Issue desk and first direct access:
Hochzeitshaus (1972-1990)
In 1972 the public library made its penultimate adjustment to a new home:
The adult library and the childrens library were once again housed under the same roof, in the Hochzeitshaus; in addition, in 1975 a music department was developed, containing cassettes and later, CDs, and in 1984 the Artothek was also added.
On 4th May 1990 Hameln celebrated the opening of the Pfortmühle as the new home of the public library.
Gerhard Krätsch, Director of the public library 1961-1981, and
Hedwig Steinkamp, Director of the public library 1981-1991:
