The Burgerbibliothek of Berne, a cultural institution of the Burgergemeinde of Berne, opens a window on to the history of Berne and Switzerland as a whole. Anyone with an interest in this field is welcome to visit the Reading Room. Originally part of the City Library, the Burgerbibliothek of Berne was founded as a separate institution in 1951. It serves as the community archives, documenting the history of the Burgergemeinde of Berne, its institutions, guilds and societies.

As a centre of expertise in Berne for private archives, and as a manuscript collection of international importance, it is unique among Swiss archives. It collects, indexes and preserves documents from the early Middle Ages to the present day and archives digital data for the long term. The Burgerbibliothek of Berne makes its holdings accessible to any interested members of the public and enhances the cultural life of the city with its events and publications.