Vatican's Magnificent Library Restored After 3 Years, $11.5 Million Restoration

[Dale_M]

The magnificent Vatican Library, one of the oldest and richest in the world, was unveiled today after a three year and $11.5 million restoration.

Faced with sagging floors and major restructuring work, the Vatican decided in 2007 to shut down the library completely for the first time in its 500 years of existence and do the job properly. The Apostolic, or papal library was founded by Pope Sixtus IV in 1475, and did not even shut down during two world wars.

Amid protests and skepticism from scholars the world over, who scrambled to do last minute research before doors were shut, the Cardinal Librarian Raffaele Farina promised that the the library would re-open in September 2010. In a crowded press conference in the spectacular reading room known as the Salone Sistino (after Pope Sixtus V) Farina proudly announced today that his promise was kept and the job was done.

abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/International/vatican-library-reopens-year-restoration/story?id=11624928

But only the Pope is allowed to check out any of the books.

 

[HeavenlyRoses]

I almost dread to hear this publicized because it becomes fodder for those who hate the Church and whine about the wealth that could be used to feed the poor blah blah blah.

 

[bkayw]

More and more of the library will be available online.

 

[Dale_M]

I almost dread to hear this publicized because it becomes fodder for those who hate the Church and whine about the wealth that could be used to feed the poor blah blah blah.

Yes, it does get old. But the snippet I quoted mentioned the Salone Sistino. This is a 16th century reading room which is decorated from floor to ceiling with frescoes. Prior to the renovation, the Vatican Museums had been using it as a gallery, and paying rent to the library. Almost all the money for renovation came from that rent money, which was saved up for this purpose.

Besides, what kind of person hates libraries? Aren’t libraries a good thing? Who is against knowledge and learning?

And $11 million is cheap. Heck, our local public library was destroyed in a flood two years ago, and the cost of replacing it is $45 million. And that doesn’t even count the cost of the books !

 

[HeavenlyRoses]

I agree, I don’t have any problem with this at all. I think it’s wonderful! But, you know how the chattering monkeys are - as soon as they see “$11.5 million… Vatican… Magnificent Library” they are done thinking. The screeching begins.