  New instrumental capabilities and the wealth of astrophysical information
extractable from the near-infrared wavelength region have led to a growing
interest in the field of high resolution spectroscopy at 1-5 mu. We aim to
provide a library of observed high-resolution and high signal-to-noise-ratio
near-infrared spectra of stars of various types throughout the
Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. This is needed for the exploration of spectral
features in this wavelength range and for comparison of reference targets with
observations and models.
  High quality spectra were obtained using the CRIRES near-infrared
spectrograph at ESO's VLT covering the range from 0.97 to 5.3 mu at high
spectral resolution. Accurate wavelength calibration and correction for of
telluric lines were performed by fitting synthetic transmission spectra for the
Earth's atmosphere to each spectrum individually. We describe the observational
strategy and the current status and content of the library which includes 13
objects. The first examples of finally reduced spectra are presented. This
publication will serve as a reference paper to introduce the library to the
community and explore the extensive amount of material.
