The Stanislas Library, treasures of Lorraine
On rue Stanislas, behind an elegant 18th-century façade, the Stanislas library guards one of the richest heritage collections in Lorraine. Founded by the king-duke Stanislas in 1750, it holds manuscripts, incunabula, prints and Lorraine documents, while remaining a reading place open to all.
A royal foundation
The library's history goes back to an edict by Stanislas Leszczynski, King of Poland turned Duke of Lorraine, dated 28 December 1750. He then created a public library, a gesture typical of an Enlightenment prince keen to spread knowledge. During the Revolution, the collections grew considerably with works confiscated from religious institutions. Housed since 1794 in an 18th-century university building, the library expanded further through the gifts and bequests of collectors. From this long history it inherited a distinctive status: at once a lending library and a conservatory of Lorraine's written heritage.
Manuscripts, incunabula and the Lorraine collection
The heritage collections are impressive in scope: several thousand manuscripts, more than three hundred incunabula — those books printed before 1501 — hundreds of thousands of printed works, thousands of maps, prints and drawings. In all, the library approaches half a million documents. The Lorraine collection holds a central place: it gathers everything relating to the region's history, geography and intellectual life. Added to this is the printer's legal deposit, which brings in part of the locally published output. These treasures can be consulted on site, in a dedicated room equipped for digitisation.
An exceptional reading room
The current building, erected in the 1770s, appeals first through its large reading room with period wood panelling. Here you work in a setting steeped in history, among old shelving and soft light, a few steps from Place Stanislas. The library combines this heritage decor with modern services: internet and wifi access, consultation stations, a room reserved for precious documents and a book scanner to reproduce a work without damaging it. This meeting of an 18th-century setting and digital tools makes the visit a singular experience, halfway between a museum and a living workspace.
A library in the digital age
The Stanislas library is not confined to its walls. Part of its treasures is now accessible online through the Limédia digital library, which offers heritage documents and old newspapers. You can thus leaf through, remotely, items whose fragility makes them precious. On site, entry and consultation remain free and open to all. Registration, required to borrow documents or use the computers, is free for Nancy residents since 2024. This double life, physical and digital, lets the library remain both a place of advanced research and a neighbourhood service.
Infos pratiques
Adresse : 43 rue Stanislas, 54000 Nancy
Questions fréquentes
What are the opening hours of the Stanislas library?
The reading room is open Tuesday to Friday 9am–7pm and Saturday 9am–6pm; the heritage room Tuesday to Friday 1pm–7pm and Saturday 9am–6pm. Closed on public holidays.
Is there an entry fee?
No: entry and on-site consultation are free and open. Only registration for borrowing is required, free for Nancy residents and paid for non-residents.
What can you consult there?
Manuscripts, more than three hundred incunabula, a vast Lorraine collection, maps, prints and drawings: in all nearly half a million documents.
Where is the library located?
At 43 rue Stanislas, in the heart of Nancy, a few steps from Place Stanislas.
Pexels — Alexis B · Pexels — Marc Schneid
