Hungary’s Oldest Library Battles Beetle Infestation to Save 100,000 Rare Books

In a race against time, **Hungary’s oldest library** is fighting to preserve its priceless collection of over **100,000 rare books** from a destructive beetle infestation. The pests, which burrow into paper and bindings, were discovered during a routine inspection at the historic **Eszterházy Károly University Library** in Eger. To combat the outbreak, librarians have begun placing crates of endangered books into **hermetically sealed plastic sacks** and removing all oxygen—a process known as **anoxic fumigation**. This method starves the beetles without damaging the fragile manuscripts, some of which date back to the **15th century**. Experts say the infestation likely began due to recent humidity spikes and aging infrastructure. The library, a cultural treasure trove, houses rare theological texts, early scientific treatises, and handwritten volumes that chronicle centuries of European history. The preservation effort has sparked international interest, with conservationists and historians offering support. “These books are irreplaceable,” said one archivist. “We’re not just saving paper—we’re saving voices from the past.”