centuries-old Hungarian library battles against a beetle infestation to preserve 100,000 books
Climate Change Threatens Ancient Books at Hungary's Pannonhalma Archabbey
A centuries-old Benedictine monastery in Hungary, the Pannonhalma Archabbey, is currently battling a severe infestation of drugstore beetles, also known as bread beetles, which are causing damage to its vast collection of ancient handbound books.
The abbey, founded in 996 and a UNESCO World Heritage site, houses around 400,000 volumes, including 19 codices, a complete Bible from the 13th century, several hundred manuscripts predating the invention of the printing press, and tens of thousands of books from the 16th century.
The abbey's library director has stated that life in a Benedictine abbey is governed by a set of rules in use for nearly 15 centuries, a code that obliges them to do everything possible to save its vast collection. The staff feels a strong responsibility for the preservation and conservation of the library's collection.
The higher temperatures associated with climate change have allowed the beetles to undergo several more development cycles annually than they could in cooler weather. These insects are found in dried foodstuffs and are attracted to the gelatin and starch-based adhesives found in books.
To combat the infestation, the affected books are being removed and placed into tall, hermetically sealed plastic sacks. After six weeks in a pure nitrogen environment, it is hoped that all the beetles will be destroyed. Before being reshelved, each book will be individually inspected and vacuumed.
Any book damaged by the pests will be set aside for later restoration work. The infestation has been found in a section of the library housing around a quarter of the abbey's 400,000 volumes.
The abbey believes the effects of climate change played a role in spurring the beetle infestation as average temperatures rise rapidly in Hungary. The Rule of Saint Benedict states that all the property of the monastery should be considered as of the same value as the sacred vessel of the altar, highlighting the abbey's deep commitment to preserving its historical treasures.
Climate change poses a significant threat to book preservation, as it alters environmental conditions within libraries and archives, promoting pest infestations that can destroy historic collections. This necessitates proactive, large-scale conservation actions to protect cultural heritage.
- The climate change-induced increase in temperatures has accelerated the development cycles of drugstore beetles, threatening the ancient books at Seattle's public libraries as well, due to the similar weather conditions.
- In light of the environmental crisis, there's an increasing emphasis on the importance of housing books in climates that prevent pest infestations, such as in temperature and humidity-controlled facilities, like those found in many modern-day science and health-and-wellness facilities.
- The study of environmental-science at renowned universities across the globe is aimed at finding solutions to combat climate change, which not only impacts our health and wellness but also the preservation of cultural heritage like the priceless books at the Pannonhalma Archabbey.
- Fitness and exercise are vital for maintaining a strong immune system, which can help individuals better adapt to changing environmental conditions caused by climate change and reduce susceptibility to pests like the drugstore beetles that threaten book collections.
- Investing in renewable energy and eco-friendly technologies to combat climate change can help create a sustainable environment for both people and books, promoting a healthier life-style and preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.
