Hungary’s Ancient Library Battles to Save 100,000 Books from Destructive Beetle Infestation

In Pannonhalma, Hungary, tens of thousands of ancient books are being carefully removed from the shelves of the historic Pannonhalma Archabbey, a Benedictine monastery dating back to 996. This effort is aimed at combating a destructive beetle infestation that threatens to eliminate centuries of invaluable history. The abbey, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Hungary’s oldest centers of learning. Restoration workers are meticulously extracting approximately 100,000 handbound books from over 400,000 volumes housed in the abbey’s library.

These books are being placed into crates as part of a disinfection effort intended to eradicate the drugstore beetles, which have been discovered burrowing into the books. These pests are typically found in dried food but are also drawn to the adhesives used in book-making. The infestation was discovered during routine cleaning when workers noticed unusual dust layers and holes eaten into book spines. The Pannonhalma Archabbey has played a crucial cultural role for over a millennium.

It contains the country’s oldest library and has survived many hardships, including wars and invasions. Ilona Ásványi, the library’s director, expressed her deep connection to the historical treasures held within. The library is home to significant works, including rare codices and manuscripts that precede the printing press. To preserve the books, they will be placed in hermetically sealed plastic sacks devoid of oxygen.

This method is expected to eradicate the beetles over a six-week period. Additionally, individual inspections and vacuuming will be conducted before the books are returned to their shelves. Experts suggest that climate change might have exacerbated the infestation, allowing the beetles to thrive in warmer conditions. The abbey aims to reopen its library by early next year, continuing a tradition that values the preservation of its rich cultural heritage.