Let’s start with the obvious. There are older libraries in the world. However, the Chapter Library of Verona is apparently the oldest continuously operating library in the world, dating from before the 5th century
It’s no surprise, given where it’s located that this library has seen some turbulent times – earthquakes, plague, war and ransacking to name a few.
Watch our YouTube video to see the library!
Where it all began
Let’s go back to when in started first. It’s believed that the library started as a Scriptorium, a writing room within a religious building, where Monks would spend their days writing out religious tracts and the like by hand, often with fine illustrations to boot.
The earliest document the library has that can be certified as such, dates from 517 and is called “the Life of Saint Martin of Tours“. We know that this was the date, as the chap transcribing it, Ursicinus, signed and dated it once it was finished.
Dante drops by
The Scriptorium became a “library” in the proper sense of the world around the 13th century. During the 14th century two of Italy’s most famous writers, Dante Alighieri and Petrarch apparently also popped in for a visit.
Raided by Napoleon
Over the years, the library saw much unheaveal, as is to be expected from it’s location in the heart of Italy. Its inhabitants endured the Plague in 1630 which reduced the city’s population by two-thirds including the then Librarian Agostino Rezzani. Then Napoleon dropped by between 1796-97 and pilfered a number of books for himself, taking them back to Paris. Only some were returned when his empire fell in 1816.
Water – a books worst enemy
The trials continued for the dogged little library in 1882, when Verona suffered one of it’s worst floods. Many of the documents in the library were ruined by water and mud.
Bombed in World War 2
War struck again, quite literally, in January 1945, when an Allied air raid hit and destroyed the main hall. Fortunately the librarian at the time had removed many of the most precious documents to a safe place. Most of the others were found in tact undeneath the rubble. The library was rebuilt, and re-opened in 1948.
Back on its feet in 2023
Following a major renovation, the library re-opened in 2023 with new displays of some of its most stunning works.
The main hall feels calm and full of knowledge, with two floors of books, whilst the other rooms offer much closer look at some of the books stored there (of which there are around 100,000). There are also works of art and other ornaments on display showcasing the history of the building. It’s not big, but if you like books or anything historical it’s fantastic to visit.
Watch our YouTube video to see the library!
Whats do you think of the oldest library in the world? Share in the comments.
Wordland 
And I thought that the Great Library of Alexandria was the oldest in the world. So glad that this repository of books is still here and preserved. I will be looking into this further as both a historian and an educator. LJ Steele, MA
LikeLike