13.07.2025 15:21
Hungary's oldest library is facing the threat of extinction due to a cockroach infestation affecting more than 100,000 books. The books will be protected through special procedures as part of the rescue efforts.
It has been reported that 100,000 books in Hungary's oldest library are at risk of being destroyed due to a 'cockroach' infestation. The Pannonhalma Monastery, where the library is located, is noted to be one of the country's oldest centers of learning and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Zsofia Edit Hajdu, who is leading the restoration project, stated, "This is a severe insect infestation detected in many areas of the library. Therefore, the entire collection is categorized as infected, and intervention is required for the whole collection at once. I have never faced such a severe infestation before."
DAMAGED BOOKS WILL BE SET ASIDE FOR RESTORATION
Library Director Ilona Asvanyi, in her statement regarding the issue, mentioned that the oldest and rarest books in the library are kept in a separate location and are not affected by the insects. Asvanyi also expressed that any damage that could occur to the collection would be a blow to the cultural, historical, and religious heritage. To kill the insects, boxes containing the books are placed in long, oxygen-free plastic bags. The books, which will be kept in a pure nitrogen environment for six weeks, are expected to have the insects inside them die after this process. After this procedure, the books will be vacuumed and examined one by one to check for any damage before being returned to their places. The damaged books will be set aside for restoration.