 The collection increased by gifts and purchases since 1540, and it was called "Bibliotheca publica" or "Liberey", but still mainly used by the clergy.In 1636 citizens founded the municipal library, geared towards the sciences and arts, the present "Stadtbibliothe" (city library).In the 18th century two private reading societies re-established the Ministerialbibliothek, being the book collection in the St. Johann church.