In 1983, the library, as well as the Abbey of St. Gall, were designated a World Heritage Site, as "an outstanding example of a large Carolingian monastery and was, since the 8th century until its secularisation in 1805, one of the most important cultural centres in Europe".

[2] The library hall, designed by the architect Peter Thumb in a Rococo style, was constructed between 1758 and 1767.

It translates as "healing place for the soul", based on an inscription at the Library of Ramesses II.

These codices are held inside glass cases, each of which is topped by a carved cherub offering a visual clue as to the contents of the shelves below; for instance, the case of astronomy-related materials bears a cherub observing the books through a telescope.

A virtual library has been created to provide broader access to the manuscripts: Codices Electronici Sangallenses.