Libraries embody the experience and knowledge of generations. Almost all the works of mankind in the past and present are kept in libraries. Many libraries have collapsed and faded, but there are those that have existed for centuries and are the concentration of the greatest knowledge.
National Library of France
It is impossible to recalculate the entire library collection. It contains not only scientific manuscripts, but also art objects. The National Library of France is considered one of the richest libraries in the world. Her collection is constantly updated with new books and items through purchases and donations.
The library was founded by Charles V the Wise and remained royal for a long time. Charles V not only left the cultural and historical heritage of that time in the library, but also opened it for public visits. All subsequent rulers of France supplemented and expanded the library. The library moved from one room to another until in 1988 it stayed in the building of the architect Dominique Perrault. To quickly find the library, Dominic completed the building in the form of open books.
National Library of the Czech Republic
Nowadays, the library is located in Clementinum - the Jesuit collegium, which is a complex of buildings in the Hostivar area. The Clementium contains only half of all the books in the library, but even so, their number is huge. All buildings for the library were made by renowned Baroque architects. Millions of books, including those that were published in small editions, are concentrated in the National Library of the Czech Republic.
The library is open to the public and has about 60,000 readers. Her contribution to translations of ancient manuscripts and texts is invaluable. The National Library of the Czech Republic was also awarded a UNESCO Prize in 2005.
National Library of Austria
Originally founded by the Habsburgs, the library was called the Library of the Imperial Court, but after the end of their reign, the name changed. The collection of the National Library of Austria grew very quickly due to the fact that many noble people gave books to gain the favor of the authorities.
Over time, the Habsburgs needed to build a special building for the library. For this, they spared neither money nor effort. The main hall of the library is famous for its beauty and luxury, and only old books on the shelves make it clear the true purpose of the building. This library is often called the most magnificent.
Vatican Apostolic Library
The library contains the largest number of Renaissance and Middle Ages manuscripts, and its collection is very diverse:
- more than one and a half million printed books;
- about one hundred and fifty thousand manuscripts;
- thousands of incunabula;
- one hundred thousand geographical maps and engravings;
- three hundred thousand coins and medals.
Due to the fact that the library was plundered more than once, many valuable old manuscripts were lost. However, this did not affect her current greatness and wealth. Pope Nicholas V is called the founder of the Vatican Apostolic Library, as he significantly increased the library's collection.
National Library of Malta
This library is not only the custodian of knowledge, but also the cultural value of the Maltese Islands. All evidence of scientific achievements, official documents and collections from the time of the Order of Malta is kept in the National Library of Malta. Almost the entire history of the Maltese state is located in a neoclassical building with elegant columns and oval windows.
The library is called one of the oldest in the world, but this only adds to its grandeur. Nowadays, the library is trying in every possible way to provide an opportunity for people to gain new knowledge and exchange experience. Scientific events, conferences and exhibitions are constantly held on its territory. Interesting lectures are often given in the building itself.
