(Translated by Google) The Zurich Central Library is a public foundation and, as a university library, is an academic library. At the same time, as the city and canton library, it serves to convey information to the general public. In accordance with its statutes, it ensures, among other things, that the documentation and archiving of published and unpublished Zurich information carriers (Turicensia) are as complete as possible, i.e. information carriers that have appeared in the canton of Zurich, were written by Zurich residents, have Zurich or its residents on the subject. It was founded in 1914. The name “Central Library” says it all, because in corpore it is the result of the amalgamation of the cantonal library and the city library, which has been sought since the 1890s, and which now took on the tasks and functions of a scientific, university library. [2] Grossmünster Abbey Libraryedit The beginnings of Zurich library history - and with it that of the central library - date back to the early Middle Ages with the library of the Zurich Canons' Monastery of St. Felix and Regula (Grossmünster), which was first documented in 1259. Most of the inventory of liturgical works, perhaps also other things, was lost with the book storm from September 17 to October 7, 1525. The monastery library as such still existed, but the number of existing works had shrunk to only 470 volumes. From 1532 the Alsatian humanist Konrad Pellikan campaigned for the monastery library and consistently built it up with the books from church property in Zurich and the surrounding area and the private library Huldrych Zwingli, which the monastery bought for 200 pounds. His catalog, which was kept until 1551, shows around 770 volumes (manuscripts and prints) with around 1100 titles, of which around 800 titles could be found in the holdings of the Zurich Central Library. [3] Acquisitions and donations expanded the inventory over the next three centuries. In 1831 the Canons' Monastery was dissolved (Original) Die Zentralbibliothek Zürich ist eine öffentliche Stiftung und als Universitätsbibliothek eine wissenschaftliche Bibliothek. Zugleich dient sie als Stadt- und Kantonsbibliothek der Informationsvermittlung für die allgemeine Öffentlichkeit. Gemäss ihren Statuten, sorgt sie unter anderem für die möglichst vollständige Dokumentation und Archivierung publizierter und unpublizierter Zürcher Informationsträger (Turicensia), das heisst solcher Informationsträger, die im Kanton Zürich erschienen sind, von Zürchern verfasst wurden, Zürich oder seine Bewohner zum Thema haben. Die Gründung erfolgte 1914. Der Name „Zentralbibliothek“ ist Programm, denn sie ist in corpore das Ergebnis der seit den 1890er-Jahren angestrebten Zusammenlegung von Kantonsbibliothek und Stadtbibliothek, welche nun die Aufgaben und Funktionen einer wissenschaftlichen, universitären Bibliothek übernahmen.[2] Stiftsbibliothek GrossmünsterBearbeiten Die Anfänge der Zürcher Bibliotheksgeschichte – und damit auch die der Zentralbibliothek – reichen mit der erstmals im Jahr 1259 durch Statuten belegten Bibliothek des Zürcher Chorherrenstifts St. Felix und Regula (Grossmünster) bis in das frühe Mittelalter zurück. Der grösste Teil des Bestandes an liturgischen Werken, vielleicht auch anderes, ging allerdings mit dem Büchersturm vom 17. September bis 7. Oktober 1525 verloren. Die Stiftsbibliothek blieb als solche zwar noch bestehen, aber die Zahl der vorhandenen Werke war auf nur noch 470 Bände geschrumpft. Ab 1532 setzte sich der Elsässer Humanist Konrad Pellikan für die Stiftsbibliothek ein und baute sie mit den in Zürich und Umgebung vorhandenen Büchern aus Kirchenbesitz und der vom Stift für 200 Pfund angekauften Privatbibliothek Huldrych Zwinglis konsequent auf. Sein bis 1551 geführter Katalog weist etwa 770 Bände (Handschriften und Drucke) mit ungefähr 1100 Titeln nach, wovon rund 800 Titel in den Beständen der Zentralbibliothek Zürich aufgefunden werden konnten.[3] Ankäufe und Schenkungen erweiterten in den folgenden drei Jahrhunderten den Bestand nachhaltig. 1831 wurde das Chorherrenstift aufgelöst

The Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Central Library of Zurich) is the main public library of the city of Zurich, Switzerland. It is located in the center of the city, near the lake and the main railway station. The library offers a wide range of services, including lending books and other materials, providing access to electronic resources and databases, and offering events and workshops for the public. The library has a large collection of books, magazines, newspapers, and other materials in various languages, as well as a extensive selection of digital resources. It is open to the public and membership is free. The library also has a number of specialized collections, including a music collection, a map collection, and a rare book collection.

The view is ok while walking down the streets of Zurich

As a person who studies in a different University than UZH. I am very impressed by the amount of books that are in many different languages available. Furthermore, this library has very nice working place areas that you can use where you can focus on your work. Moreover, the collection of books are vast from topics like history to mathematics to computer animation. This library has it all. I would highly recommend not only for students but also for common people who live in Zürich and the area of Zürich.

It’s a great place to focuse, work or study. It’s really quiet and the desks are clean and big. However it is super hard to find a free desk and usually people leave their materials on the desk, take a break for around 2 hours and then come back, so rarely a desk opens up. It is in a good location with many train connections and lunch spots around the corner.

Like a sanctuary of knowledge, the ZB has become my favorite destination for anything related to Art in the shape of books. Very helpful staff ans easy computer system adds to a great experience.

The Predigerkirchen (church in German) is an impressive architectural structure with remarkable high bell tower that is beautifully integrated in the Zurich skyline. It is one of the four main churches of the old town of Zürich and was first constructed in 1231 AD as a Romanesque church. It is located around 150m west of another impressive building - Zurich University.

Spent hours in the Zentralbibliothek preparing for exams. Located in the heart of Zürich this is an ideal location for students to learn and socialize.

Great library except for two things: 1) the internet is terrible (at times slow to an extent that working becomes difficult), 2) in the study areas some of less considerate student users tend to save seats for their mates (who then don’t show for hours to come).. First come first served?!

(Translated by Google) Helpful employees, pleasant working atmosphere. But the predatory fee system should be reconsidered. For years I never had a problem; the loan period for expired books is generally extended automatically. But recently I received a bill for four expired books - 40 francs! I had not received any reminder of the imminent final expiration of the loan period, as is normal in every library these days. An institution financed by public funds that also provides an important social service should, in my opinion, not be allowed to use the pockets of the ordinary population so shamelessly. (Original) Hilfsbereite Mitarbeiter, angenehme Arbeitsatmosphäre. Das räuberische Gebührensystem sollte man aber überdenken. Über Jahre hatte ich nie ein Problem; der Ausleihzeitraum für abgelaufene Bücher wird generell automatisch verlängert. Doch neulich flatterte mir eine Rechnung für vier abgelaufene Bücher ins Haus - 40 Franken! Ich hatte zuvor keinerlei Erinnerung über den bevorstehenden endgültigen Ablauf der Ausleihfrist erhalten, wie es heutzutage eigentlich bei jeder Bibliothek üblich ist. Eine von öffentlichen Mitteln finanzierte Institution, die zudem einen wichtigen gesellschaftlichen Dienst bereitstellt, sollte sich meiner Meinung nach nicht derart schamlos aus den Taschen der normalen Bevölkerung bedienen dürfen.

(Translated by Google) I like to be there. Reading, using the Internet, borrowing books, just great 😃 (Original) Bin gern dort. Lesen, Internet benutzen, Bücher ausleihen, einfach toll 😃

(Translated by Google) Service for first-time visitors is a disaster sending employees from Pontius to Pilatus and are unhelpful. (Original) Service für erst Besucher ist eine Katastrophe Mitarbeiter senden Von Pontius zu Pilatus und sind wenig hilfsbereit.

(Translated by Google) Cantonal and university library of Zurich. Lending and stock of new and old books. Archives and collections of valuable writings and writers. Large reading room, workplaces for students and university teachers. Modern work environment with a PC to take away. Café and cloakroom located in the basement, do not forget the 2.00 depot. Books to borrow on 3 basements. (Original) Kantons- und Universitätsbibliothek von Zürich. Ausleihe und Bestand von neuen und alten Büchern. Archive und Sammlungen von wertvollen Schriften und Schriftstellern. Grosser Lesasaal, Arbeitsplätze für Studenten und Universitätslehrer. Moderne Arbeitswelt mit PC zum Mitnehmen. Café und Garderobe im Untergeschoss gelegen, 2.00 Depot nicht vergessen. Bücher zur Selbstausleihe auf 3 Untergeschossen.

(Translated by Google) Again and again I like to meet here on Sundays. Very quiet atmosphere, perfect for self-study. Unfortunately, it is always crowded during the examination phase. So my tip: go to this library before opening the door. You literally storm as soon as the doors open, like in Hunger Games;) (Original) Immer wieder gerne an Sonntagen bin ich hier anzutreffen treffen. Sehr stille Atmosphäre, perfekt um Selbststudium zu treiben. Leider ist es immer wieder während der Prüfungsphase überfüllt. Daher mein Tipp: Begebe dich vor der Türöffnung an diese Bibliothek. Man stürmt förmlich sobald die Türen sich öffnen, wie in Hunger Games ;)

A fantastic place to study or do "home"-office work! The wifi is excellent and the individual work spaces are very comfortable. On-site bistro for snacks & coffe. The only downside is seat availability during crunch times (but you can check how many seats are free online!)

Terrible library! The books are not organized, and you can find Bernard Russel near to harry poter near to Nutritiens books. They seem to organize the books according to the day they received it. I wish you could organize your books as all other beautiful European Libraries and put them in order of science, author, year etc.!

The best library collection I have ever had the privilege of perusing. It's all so very accessible too. Very nice staff. Very helpful. Highly recommend coming here.

aah zb, the classical love-hate relationship. hate it because its a library where i have to spend hours in studying, love it because its a vibe though, there’s a snack room, there’s many different types of areas/working stations. also, they‘re doing construction work at the moment and it gets pretty loud sometimes, but i csnt wait to see how it turns out so im not mad. /juiceoramah

Good place to study. All the conforms are here. The costumercare is so kind and professional. There is anything you need in order to learn something. There are a Cafeteria and a computer space. You can register for free in the Bibliothek.

The library's decision to schedule maintenance during university study phases is highly inconvenient for students. This timing disrupts crucial study periods.

best.

(Translated by Google) There are a lot of people because of the corona (Original) Coronadan dolayı çok kişi oluyor

(Translated by Google) Great library. Extensive non-fiction inventory. Nice, helpful staff. (Original) Tolle Bibliothek. Umfangreicher Sachbuch Bestand. Nettes, hilfsbereites Personal.

(Translated by Google) Nice library, very centrally located, large selection of older and newer books. (Original) Schöne Bibliothek, sehr zentral gelegen, grosse Auswahl von älteren und neueren Büchern.

Great archive that goes more than 5 stores beneath the earth! Also great place to find some peace and place for learning for school.

(Translated by Google) You can find every book you are looking for in your inventory. However, these are often not found on the shelves. (Original) Man findet jedes Buch, das man sucht, im Inventar. Jedoch sind diese öfters in den Regalen nicht zu finden.

Cool place, i will come back for sure

This is a Oasis of peace, love it

+good place to study +books (I guess) -it can be really warm in there (dunno if that is because they have to maintain a certain temperature cuz books idk)

At first glance, this may look like a place with functioning computer workstations. Turns out that, even if you gain access to one of said computers by creating an account, you won't be able to do basic stuff like accessing Google Docs or working on a PDF. Somehow nobody seems to have a problem with that

Zurich library. It has several floors with very varied bibliography.

One of the best bibliothek in the world

Very bisy, but quiet and super central, with great coffeeshops nearby

Beautiful library with great working spaces.

(Translated by Google) Easy registration, nice reception, quiet workplaces with the option of using pre-installed PCs. All in all, a pleasant learning atmosphere (Original) Einfache Anmeldung, netter Empfang, leise Arbeitsplätze mit Möglichkeit vorinstallierte PCs zu benutzen. Alles in Allem, angenehme Lernatmosphäre

Free access to books and knowledge, what could be better? Well organized, quite and clean, this place is a gem for anyone seeking a good read.

Excellent collection in various languages. Using it for the Russian books - everything from the 19th century to 2020.

Great library. Very good atmosphere for studying. Finding books is very easy and the staff is very nice and will try to help you in any way possible.

great library with a big choice of books

This is a great library in the city center. Can highly recommend it. Great books, nice places to work.

Kind staff, they know English

A good place but relatively small compare with other libraries in Europe. The facade is impressive (obvious recently completed renovation) and will draw lots of interest from passerby. That said, one very sad/unfortunate thing you will see when approaching, is the cluster of (mostly students or youngsters) people gathered outside the great entrance smoking their life away. Anyone has to navigate through the smokers and the barrage of second hand smoke to get into the library. So, it appears Switzetland is not only famous for its no nonsense approach to things but also a heaven for smokers! The notion of no smoking within 50m of building entrances or public places is not practice here....

A great library. Huge source of knowledge. However it is not the best place to study. People are loud inside, they forget they are in a library and groups of students sometimes come without any respect to others trying to study in peace. It seems the library administration is not interested in controlling annoying groups of students or loud people who come into the studying hall.

(Translated by Google) Very helpful staff. (Original) Sehr hilfsbereites Personal.

(Translated by Google) Great place to stay. (Original) Toller Ort um zu verweilen.

(Translated by Google) It has a lot of learning places, the employees sometimes seem as if they were robot-like human beings! (Original) Es hat viele Lernplätze, die Mitarbeitenden scheinen manchmal als wären es roboterähnliche Menschenwesen!

(Translated by Google) Great place to learn !!! (Original) Super Ort zum lernen!!!

(Translated by Google) Here you can find every book that your heart desires in a building that is beautifully furnished. (Original) Hier findet man jedes Buch dass das Herz begehrt in einem Gebäude, welches wunderschön ausgestattet ist.

(Translated by Google) Good book collection, but the staff on the phone was impatient, rude, and rude (Original) Gute Büchersammlung, aber das Personal am Telefon war ungeduldig, unfreundlich und unhöflich

(Translated by Google) Competent, fast, uncomplicated, friendly. A pleasant climate. I use your services and your literature continuously and I am enthusiastic. Thank you! (Original) Kompetent, schnell, unkompliziert, freundlich. Ein angenehmes Klima. Ich nutze Ihre Dienste und Ihre Literatur laufend und bin begeistert. Danke!

(Translated by Google) Very large selection of non-fiction and specialist books! I'm very satisfied! (Original) Sehr große Auswahl an Sach- und Fachbüchern! Ich bin sehr zufrieden!

(Translated by Google) Excited (Original) Begeistert

(Translated by Google) The mecca of students. If one could summon demons with intellect, this would be the gateway to hell. (Original) Das mekka der studenten. Wenn man mit intellekt dämonen beschwören könnte, wäre hier das tor zur hölle.

(Translated by Google) Has everything for bookworms and researchers and those who want to become one (Original) Hat alles für Leseratten und Forscher und solche die es werden wollen

(Translated by Google) Gigantic selection of books, helpful staff, quiet learning atmosphere with many workplaces. Self-borrowing is quick and easy. (Original) Gigantische Auswahl an Büchern, hilfreiches Personal, ruhige Lernatmosphäre mit vielen Arbeitsplätzen. Selbstausleihe ist schnell und unkompliziert.

(Translated by Google) Protection concept well implemented (Original) Schutzkonzept gut umgesetzt

(Translated by Google) Reading room is great for focused learning / writing, good infrastructure with sockets and reading lights at the workplaces. The only criticism: the toilets are not exactly a hit; clean but extremely small and outdated. (Original) Lesesaal ist top zum fokusierten Lernen / Arbeiten schreiben, gute Infrastruktur mit Steckdosen und Leselampen an den Arbeitsplätzen. Einzige Kritik: die WCs sind nicht gerade der Hit; zwar sauber aber extrem klein und veraltet.

(Translated by Google) Excellent place to learn. (Original) Exzellenter Lernort.

(Translated by Google) Extremely good library with very helpful staff. The reading room is also very nice. (Original) Extrem gute Bibliothek mit sehr hilfsbereiten Mitarbeitern. Der lesesaal ist ebenfalls sehr schön.

(Translated by Google) Very competent, professional and friendly! (Original) Sehr kompetent, professionell und freundlich!

(Translated by Google) Bouncer was rude. (Original) Türsteher war unfreundlich.

(Translated by Google) Unfortunately, the library is being renovated almost all the time, especially annually during the ETH learning phase. Always in July. Hope the renovation dates will change in late August. (Original) Leider wird die Bibliothek beinahe die ganze Zeit renoviert, vor allem jährlich während der ETH Lernphase. Immer im Juli. Hoffe, die Renovationstermine verändern sich zukünftig auf Ende August.

(Translated by Google) Unfortunately confusing opening times, tedious. (Original) Leider unübersichtliche Öffnungszeiten, mühsam.

This is one of the best libraries I have ever been to. First of all, they have two kinds of internet acess: eduroam and ZB Guest. If you are a student with eduroam account you are allowed entrance to their online archives for books and journals, etc. With ZB Guest you cannot access those, however the internet quality is still good enough in both options for such a big central library. (I tried both to compare, i tried to play a video rpg game to check the stability of connection.) Secondly, I am writing this review on one of the couches on the second floor. They are super comfy and totally sleepable. In mid work, due to fatigue and my period’s unexpected coming I passed out on one of the couches and slept there like a baby for 3 hours. It was definitely not nosy at all, as expected of a real library. The couches were too ergonomic in design for their own good! (And i wasnt occupying anything since the other couches were available still.) There was another dude who slept like the dead when i first came and he still does. (Rip) The couches are enticing, they are like a high grade magic spell. The poor souls who want to focus on studying, beware of the couches’ allure. Stray far from it. Every table has power sockets for self studying, go to them not to the couches. All on all, 10/10 will definitely come back.