Hungary's oldest library fights to save 100,000 books from beetles

In Hungary, the Pannonhalma Archabbey library is grappling with a severe beetle infestation that threatens to destroy part of its historic collection. The infestation prompted restoration workers to begin the delicate process of removing around 100,000 handbound books from the library’s shelves for disinfection. This effort is crucial for preventing the loss of centuries of knowledge, as the abbey’s library holds invaluable texts, including 19 codices and many manuscripts that predate the printing press, with some dating back as far as the 13th century. The drugstore beetle, commonly found in dry foodstuffs, has shown an unusual attraction to the gelatin and starch-based adhesives used in bookbinding. The chief restorer, Zsófia Edit Hajdu, explained that the infestation is considered advanced, requiring an immediate collective treatment of the entire library’s collection. As part of the restoration process, the books will be sealed in plastic sacks to create an oxygen-free environment aimed at eradicating the pests. This incident is not merely an isolated case of pests invading literature; it reflects broader environmental changes, as the abbey's administration suggests that climate change may have exacerbated the situation. Rising temperatures in Hungary appear to have enabled beetles to complete several developmental cycles more rapidly than before. Hajdu noted a trend toward increased insect infestations linked to global warming, a worrying sign for historical preservation efforts in the future. Director Ilona Ásványi expressed her deep sense of responsibility and reverence for the library’s legacy, acknowledging that with every book damaged by beetles, an irreplaceable piece of culture disappears. The library, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has withstood historical challenges over the past millennium, but this new challenge demands innovative solutions and immediate action to save Hungary's literary heritage. The restoration team hopes to return the library to its full glory by early next year after treatment procedures have been completed.