Book patronage for the restoration of historical treasures at Graz University Library

Neues Testament mit Prologen. Foto: Uni Graz/Restaurierung

Discover 2500 years of concentrated knowledge in the thousands of book antiquities at Graz University Library. Papyri, manuscripts, incunabula, maps and printed books are waiting to be restored thanks to your sponsorship. Support the preservation of this unique treasure trove of books and secure exclusive insights into the world of this historical heritage. Become part of history - your patronage makes all the difference!

The special collections of Graz University Library harbour impressive treasures. They preserve a large part of the written heritage of the former Duchy of Styria. The collections comprise around 300,000 objects: papyri, manuscripts, incunabula, maps and printed books from the 16th to the 19th century. This year's sensational find is also housed here: the Graz Mummy Book, which is 400 years older than previously discovered books and is therefore the world's oldest known book fragment in codex form.

Preserving cultural heritage

However, the proverbial ravages of time are gnawing away at many of these precious books and writings - they are damaged and in need of expert restoration. Graz University Library operates the only university restoration atelier in Austria. Here, meticulous work is carried out to preserve these treasures of the special collections. The new fundraising project of the University of Graz is intended to enable the restoration of these original works. Theresa Zammit Lupi, head of the restoration atelier, describes the process: "If a book is 500 years old, it has to look that way. Plastic surgery is not really an option in book restoration".

The right book patronage for everyone

Choose a personal favourite book, an incunabulum or a manuscript from our list and sponsor (from 350€) the professional restoration. We will be happy to assist you with the selection. At your request, we will mention your name on the sponsorship board in the University Library and on the website and invite you to a special guided tour of Graz University Library. As a book patron, you will also receive a certificate and a documentation report after the restoration has been completed. From a donation of 1,000€ upwards, you will also receive an ex libris on the protective cover. Support is also possible from as little as € 50. With such a book building block, which you can purchase in any number, you are sponsoring a part of a book. Your donation is not only culturally valuable, but also tax-deductible. Together we preserve 2500 years of knowledge for the future! You can find the right book for your sponsorship here.

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David Weber

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