Mon Jul 14 05:33:28 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text:
**The Hindu: World Affairs**
**Beetle Infestation Threatens Centuries-Old Books at Hungarian Abbey**
**PANNONHALMA, Hungary – July 14, 2025** – A massive effort is underway at the 1,000-year-old Pannonhalma Archabbey in Hungary to save its invaluable collection of ancient books from a devastating drugstore beetle infestation. Approximately 100,000 handbound books, representing centuries of history and learning, are being carefully removed and treated to eradicate the pests, which have burrowed into the paper and binding adhesives.
The infestation, discovered during routine cleaning, threatens a significant portion of the abbey’s 400,000 volumes. Chief Restorer Zsófia Edit Hajdu described the infestation as unusually advanced. The drugstore beetle poses a significant risk to the abbey’s vast collection. This collection includes the earliest book catalogue in Hungary, 19 codices, a complete Bible from the 13th century, and hundreds of manuscripts predating the printing press.
The books are undergoing a six-week nitrogen treatment to eliminate the beetles, followed by individual inspection and vacuuming. The abbey hopes to reopen its library by the beginning of next year. Library Director Ilona Ásványi expressed the deep cultural loss any damage to the collection represents.
Officials believe rising temperatures due to climate change have contributed to the severity of the infestation, allowing the beetles to reproduce more rapidly. As the abbey works tirelessly to preserve its collection, this serves as a concerning example of how climate change can imperil the preservation of historical and cultural treasures.
The Pannonhalma Archabbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Hungary’s oldest centers of learning and holds the country’s oldest collection of books. Founded in 996, it has survived centuries of conflict and remains a crucial cultural and religious site.
First Piper 