Preserving knowledge: Book sponsorship success story cracks the 100,000 euro mark

Some pages of the 18th-century atlas Harmonica Macrocosmica have become brittle due to verdigris. Restorer Lena Krämer shows how the fragile areas need to be reinforced with fine Japanese paper in order to preserve them. Photo: University of Graz/Reif-Teubenbacher.

The special collections of Graz University Library comprise around 300,000 valuable objects from 25 centuries: Papyri, manuscripts, incunabula, maps and printed books. The sensational find from 2023 is also kept here: the Graz Mummy Book, the world's oldest known book fragment in codex form.

Preserving this knowledge is a challenge. Because the ravages of time are gnawing away at these unique collections. This is why the University of Graz has launched a fundraising project that allows you to sponsor the preservation of a particular book. This is unique in Austria's universities, as Graz University Library is the only one to carry out restoration work.

"Our special collections harbour impressive treasures that are part of our cultural memory. With the book sponsorships, we make it possible for this knowledge to remain academically usable and also reach future generations," emphasises Rector Peter Riedler.

What does the book need?

Preserving a historical book for posterity requires a great deal of effort. "Each work requires different measures, such as dry cleaning, paper repairs, pigment or ink consolidation. The stitching also often needs to be reinforced and bindings repaired," says Theresa Zammit Lupi, Head Conservator in the Special Collections. Only high-quality materials that have been tested for chemical stability and durability are used. However, Zammit Lupi explains that it is not just a matter of restoration. "We take a holistic view of the book and research its contents as well as the history of the materials," she explains.

Magic mark cracked

The donation project "2500 years of knowledge - book sponsorships at Graz University Library", which was launched almost two years ago, is proving successful. "There are currently 62 sponsorships. Half of these books have already been repaired," says Beatrice Weinelt from the fundraising team at the University of Graz. Vice Rector Markus Fallenböck confirms that every financial contribution counts: "Together we are showing how much fundraising can achieve for science, culture and access to historical knowledge." He is particularly pleased that the "magic mark" of 100,000 euros was recently broken.

Support is possible from as little as 50 euros, while a sponsorship for professional restoration starts at 350 euros. Donations are tax-deductible. Supporters will be named on a plaque in the library, sponsors additionally receive a documentation report and a certificate as a thank you. They are also invited to a special guided tour of Graz University Library.

Last minute Christmas present

Some valuable treasures are still waiting to be restored. For example, the atlas "Harmonica Macrocosmica" from 1708, which illustrates with magnificent, hand-coloured copperplate engravings how the relationship between the earth and the universe was imagined before Newton. Or the atlas "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum" from 1575, which offers an important insight into many medieval European cities by means of hand-coloured maps and illustrations. So if you are still looking for a gift for Christmas, you could consider giving the gift of a book sponsorship. The corresponding certificate will be under the Christmas tree if the fundraising team is informed by 18 December at the latest.

More information: https://buchpatenschaften.uni-graz.at

>> Video: How do you restore a historical book?

Gerhild Leljak

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