One of the world’s most beautiful libraries is in Budapest, and it’s turning 120 – PHOTOS
The Central Library of the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library is housed in the astonishing 19th-century neo-baroque Wenckheim Palace. Do we need more than that to feel awesome while sitting, reading, drinking a coffee or having a chat with a friend in a library? Here are some photos of the astonishing Ervin Szabó Library (Fővárosi Szabó Ervin Könyvtár), abbreviated as “fszek” or “fészek” (meaning nest in English).
Ervin Szabó Library: one of the most beautiful libraries in Budapest
The library is to celebrate the 120th anniversary of its foundation this year, Lelépő wrote. The portal collected ten interesting facts about the library for the birthday.
Work to create a new library for Budapest started in 1903 when the municipal council accepted its charter and foundation documents. Its gates opened in 1904 with 33 thousand volumes. The namesake, Ervin Szabó, is one of the leading figures of Hungarian sociology and was one of the institution’s first fellow associates. He supervised the library’s transition into a “public library” and made it a centre of sociology in the Kingdom of Hungary. Szabó died in 1918 of Spanish flu. He was only 41.
Dragon Children’s Library inaugurated
In 1927, Budapest bought the Wenckheim Palace, erected in 1889 in neo-baroque style in Budapest’s Palace District. The library moved there in 1931. In WWII, the Central Library was bombed. Thankfully, only two branch libraries were destroyed.
After the losses in the world war and following the Soviet occupation of the country, the work continued, creating 16 branches and even two “tram libraries” in the capital. Now, it hosts Hungary’s greatest collection in the science of sociology.
The number of visitors grew gradually, so between 1998 and 2001, the building was renewed to serve increased demand.
One of the specialities of the library is the Dragon Children’s Library. Check out some photos below:
Some more photos of the magnificent library:
Read also:
- Discover the most beautiful libraries of Hungary – PHOTOS and details HERE
- The 5 most beautiful libraries in Budapest
Hungarians have every RIGHT to call this Library, have it placed recorded and recognized, as one of the most beautiful libraries, in the World.
It is, besides it’s beauty, the way it has developed into what we have in 2024, it’s CONTRIBUTION to Education, that opens as we know, window’s of OPPORTUNIES in Life.
To the “locals” – from Pest & Buda and no doubt high numbers of citizens from all the Districts, that comprise in number 23 – the Districts of Budapest, that for “reasons” use the facilities of this “Grand” and Beautiful library – a place of Education & Learning.
President : John. Fitzgerald. Kennedy said :
‘If this nation is to be Wise as well as Strong, if we are to achieve our Destiny then we need more new ideas for more Wise men reading more books in more Public Libraries.
These libraries, should be open to All – except the CENSOR.
We must know All the Facts and hear All the alternatives and hear all the Criticism.
Let us WELCOME controversial books and controversial authors,
For the Bill of Rights – is the guardian of our Society, as well as our LIBERTY.”
Bit in that that CHALLENGES, or takes a “sizable” different approach and perspective – outlook on LIFE, than WHAT, the Orban – Fidesz Government, that have DEVOURED the word LIBERTY to Hungarians, in there 16 years of Government, delivering us, in 2024, to the Economic & Financial – Shambles & Chaos that continues to WORSEN, we are this day of 2024.