Thousands of book antiquities from 25 centuries are waiting to be restored. Support the conservation of the book treasures of the University Library Graz!
The Special Collections of the University Library Graz preserve impressive treasures. They conserve a large part of the written heritage of the former Dukedom of Styria. The collections comprise around 300.000 objects: papyri, manuscripts, incunabula, maps and early printed books from the 16th to the 19th century. The sensational find from 2023 is also housed here: the Graz Mummy Book, which is about 400 years older than previously discovered books and is therefore the world's oldest known book fragment in codex form.
However, time has not passed without leaving its mark at many of these precious books and manuscripts - they are damaged and in need of expert restoration. The University Library Graz is the only University Library in Austria to carry out restoration as part of its Special Collections. Here, meticulous work is being done to preserve the treasures of the Special Collections.
Support the conservation of this important cultural heritage for future generations!
Become a book adopter and take on a sponsorship
Choose your favourite book from our list here, an incunabulum or a manuscript and sponsor its professional restoration (from € 350,-). We would be glad to assist you in selecting an object.
We would be pleased to publish your name on the donors’ plaque in the University Library and on the website (by request) and would also like to invite you to a special guided tour of the University Library Graz. As a book sponsor, you will also receive a certificate and a documentation report after the restoration has been completed. From a donation of € 1.000, you will also receive an exlibris on the book's protective cover.
Support the restoration with "book building blocks"
With a “book building block” in the amount of € 50 (can be purchased in any number) you support the restoration of the valuable book treasures of the University Library Graz and thus contribute to the conservation of this historical book heritage for the future!
We would be pleased to publish your name on the donors’ plaque in the University Library (by request) and also would like to invite you to a special guided tour of the University Library Graz.
Support here with Book Building Blocks (please note: the form is not yet available in English): for the general restoration and long-term conservation of the Special Collections of the University Library Graz!
The University Library Graz is the only University Library in Austria to carry out restoration as part of its Special Collections. The conservator's works include the necessary measures depending on the book, e.g: Dry cleaning, paper repairs, pigment or ink consolidation, smoothing, strengthening of stitching, leather or binding repairs and making a new protective case.
All repairs are carried out using high-quality materials that have been tested for chemical stability and durability. Internationally recognised ethical standards are taken into account. The work on the object also includes research on historical-contextual levels as well as the precise documentation of its condition and restoration processes.
Book Sponsorships of the University Library Graz
Find out more about the University Library Graz in this video (in German). Accompany Mag. Pamela Stückler, Head of the University Library, to one of the largest educational and cultural institutions in Styria, which combines modernity and tradition.
Take a look behind the scenes and join Head of the restoration Dr. Theresa Zammit Lupi, who provides insights into her work and displays valuable books and manuscripts in front of the camera.
Video: University of Graz/UNREIF.UND.TAUBE