Tucked inside the Patrick Heath Public Library is one of the rarest books in the world—and now, anyone anywhere can explore it with just a click. A Low German Bible, one of only a handful known to exist, has been fully digitized and made publicly available online thanks to a partnership with the University of North Texas Libraries.
The old bible has a fascinating connection with Boerne. For years it sat unnoticed in a closet at Boerne High School. It was discovered by a librarian in 1983. It turned out to be from 1614.
This centuries-old Bible is part of the library’s special collections and was recently restored and preserved through UNT’s Portal to Texas History, a statewide digital library project. The entire text is now searchable, browsable, and freely accessible to researchers, historians, or curious readers around the globe.
“I am grateful the Bible has been digitized,” said Natalie Morgan, Assistant Director of the Patrick Heath Public Library. “This will provide so much access to people all around the world!”
For those who want to experience the physical artifact, appointments can be made through the library’s Memory Lab to view the original copy in person. The Bible is kept under careful preservation protocols to ensure it lasts for generations to come.
“We will be implementing more long-term preservation practices like wearing gloves when we touch the bindings or pages, and keeping track of humidity and air quality,” said Sarah Habeeb, Memory Lab Coordinator. “UNT has graciously designed an archival quality container for the Bible to rest in while it is not on display or being viewed, so hopefully with all these steps we will be able to preserve this Bible for a very long time.”
The 1621 Bible is a tangible link to early printed religious texts and German-American heritage. Its presence in Boerne is a reminder of the rich historical treasures quietly housed in local institutions, and a testament to how digitization is expanding access to history in the digital age.
Explore the full digitized Bible here.
To schedule a viewing of the original Bible, contact the Patrick Heath Public Library Memory Lab.