CNN also alerted: beetle infestation destroys Hungary’s oldest library – PHOTOS
More than 100,000 valuable books are at risk of destruction at the Pannonhalma Archabbey Library after a stealthy species of beetle, the drugstore beetle, infiltrated the centuries-old collection. Even CNN has taken note of the alarming development.
The Pannonhalma Archabbey, a millennium-old institution that is not only one of Hungary’s oldest centers of learning but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is now racing against time. Tens of thousands of historically significant volumes must be saved from beetles that chew through books from the inside. As we wrote earlier, the infestation was discovered during a routine cleaning when staff noticed an unusual layer of dust on the shelves and small holes on the spines and pages of books. These beetles feed specifically on the gelatin- and starch-based adhesives found in the books—making them a literal feast for the pests.
Complete disinfection required
Experts say the scale of the infestation is unprecedented. About a quarter of the library’s approximately 400,000-volume collection—some 100,000 books—are now being treated in hermetically sealed plastic bags within an oxygen-free environment in order to kill off the beetles in all their life stages. “We’ve never encountered such a widespread infestation,” said Zsófia Edit Hajdu, lead conservator for the project. The books will remain in a nitrogen-filled environment for six weeks and will then be individually inspected and cleaned.
Hungary’s Oldest Library: A Millennium of Knowledge Under One Roof
Ilona Ásványi, head of the library, stressed that every book—even if it can be reprinted—carries a unique cultural value. “When I see a chewed-through book, it feels like a piece of culture has been lost,” she said.
The Pannonhalma Archabbey stands out not only for its spiritual and historical importance, but also because it houses Hungary’s oldest continuously operating library. With a collection dating back more than a thousand years, it’s one of the Benedictine order’s most treasured intellectual legacies and a cornerstone of Hungarian cultural heritage.
One-of-a-Kind Book Collection
The library holds approximately 400,000 volumes and showcases extraordinary diversity. Among the most valuable items are 19 medieval codices, including a complete 13th-century Bible, and hundreds of manuscripts from before the invention of the printing press—dating back to before the 15th century. These handwritten works provide deep insights into the scientific, religious, and literary life of medieval Hungary and Europe.
It’s not just the manuscripts that make this library special. It also preserves numerous incunabula—books printed before 1500—as well as an extensive collection of 16th to 19th-century prints covering the key works of science, theology, philosophy, history, and natural sciences from those eras. The collection is multilingual, featuring works in Latin, Hungarian, German, French, and Italian, reflecting the international spirit of the Benedictine order.
One standout treasure is Hungary’s earliest known book catalog, a medieval inventory documenting what works were kept within the monastery even in its earliest centuries. These documents not only hold bibliographic value but also shed light on the country’s literacy origins.
The Archabbey puts great emphasis on preservation and digitization. Restoration teams are working to ensure damaged or at-risk volumes are preserved for the future, while an increasing number of works are digitally accessible to researchers and the public alike.
Baroque Library Hall
The collection is housed in a stunning Baroque-style library hall, notable not only for its books but also for its architectural beauty. Carved bookshelves, a domed ceiling, and opulent interiors provide a fitting backdrop for this repository of centuries-old knowledge. While certain sections are open to visitors, the rarest works remain under strict protection.
Climate change may be a factor
Experts suggest that climate change may be contributing to the insect outbreak. Warmer temperatures allow the beetles to produce more generations per year than before, according to CNN. “We used to struggle mostly with mold, but going forward we need to prepare for significantly more insect infestations,” Hajdu warned.
More than restoration: a sacred duty
The Pannonhalma Archabbey Library isn’t just a symbol of the past—it’s a living heritage that bridges the medieval and modern eras. Each book, manuscript, and volume helps us understand not just Hungarian cultural development, but the broader intellectual heritage of Europe as well.
According to Ilona Ásványi, the rule of Saint Benedict has long required monks to treat every object—including books—as if it were a sacred instrument. “Preserving the library is not only a professional obligation but also a spiritual responsibility,” she added.
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