The Most Impressive Historical Libraries in Slovakia

Abstract

Historical book collections deposited in the territory of Slovakia include individual holdings, as well as rich collections of old and rare documents. These collections substantially illustrate the level of education and cultural development in our territory over the centuries, thus representing a significant part of both intangible (spiritual) and tangible cultural heritage, considering their artistic value. The paper presents the past and present of eight selected historical libraries in Slovakia. It comprises all types of historical libraries (aristocratic, ecclesiastical, personal, school, and libraries of associations), covering various parts of Slovakia. The author aims to contribute to the enhancement of this segment of the cultural heritage and to raise awareness of it, and, last but not least, to provide information about the institutions that manage, protect, and make the collections available.