Department of Anthropology and African Studies
Faculty of Historical and Cultural Studies 07 · Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz · Forum 6 · 55099 Mainz · Tel: +49-6131-3922798 · Fax: +49-6131-392373

Jahn Library for African Literatures

The Jahn Library is one of the earliest and most comprehensive research facilities for African literatures in Europe and beyond. Its collection comprises creative writing from Africa in more than seventy languages, including classics in African literature as well as works by less well-known writers and locally produced popular literature. The collection also holds translations, film adaptations of literary works and audiobooks, as well as a large number of critical sources and academic journals. The Jahn Library is headed by Dr. Anja Oed.

About every three years, the Jahn Library organises an Inter­national Janheinz Jahn Symposium, focus­ing on a central issue in African literary studies (e.g., creative writ­ing in African languages in 2004 and African crime fiction in 2008). These symposia are meant to provide a platform for inter­national scholars of African literatures and to enhance dialogue between them. Guests and speakers regularly include African writers. Irregularly, the library also organises readings featuring African writers. The showcase at the entrance to the Jahn library disp­lays treasures from the collection, often in relation to special events. In October 2009 and starting with a display on the work of novelist Fatou Diome (Senegal/France), a series on “African Literature in the 21st Century” was launched, which will continue through 2010.

Jahn Library of African Literatures