Fire in library in Weimar, Germany

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The Dutchess Anna Amalia Library in Weimar, Germany is one of the
world's great cultural institutions.  Founded in 1691, the library
holds over a million books and significant rare book and manuscript
collections, including medieval manuscripts, Martin Luther's Bible,
the world's largest collection of Goethe's Faust, and other
treasures.  It has been named a UNESCO world heritage site.

On September 2, 2004 the library suffered a terrible fire, and over
30,000 irreplaceable books were lost.  Another 40,000 books were
damaged by smoke and water.  German Culture Minister Christina Weiss
has said, "The literary memory of Germany has suffered severe
damage.  A piece of the world's cultural heritage has been lost
forever."  In response to the fire, the organization "American
Friends of the Anna Amalia Library" has been formed.  This has been
formed in consultation with American colleagues and also Dr. Michael
Knoche, the Director of the Anna Amalia Library.  The "American
Friends" will be a corporate member of the "Gesellschaft Anna Amalia
Bibliothek e.V."

The intention is to show clear American support for the library at
this difficult time.  Please consider making a donation in the
amount of your choosing to this new organization.  All funds
collected will be sent directly to Weimar for conservation of
damaged books and manuscripts. Checks may be made out to "American
Friends of the Anna Amalia Library" and forwarded to me at the
address below.

If you have any questions, please let me know.  I will be sending
out a call to several listservs, so please excuse duplicate notices.
Thanks to all in advance for your anticipated support.

Ronald D. Patkus
Associate Director of the Library for Special Collections
Liaison to the German Studies Dept.
Vassar College Box 20
124 Raymond Avenue
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
845-437-5798
Fax: 845-437-5797


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 18:15
               Distributed: Wednesday, September 15, 2004
                       Message Id: cdl-18-15-001
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