Medieval Libraries

Medieval libraries were collections of manuscripts and books housed primarily in monasteries, cathedral schools, and universities during the Middle Ages (roughly 5th to 15th centuries). These collections primarily contained religious texts, classical writings, and scholarly works. Manuscripts were handwritten by monks or scribes, often on parchment or vellum. Libraries served as centers for learning, preservation of knowledge, and literacy for clergy and scholars. Access was usually limited to a select few, emphasizing scholarly study and religious practice. Despite their size and scope being smaller than modern libraries, medieval libraries played a crucial role in safeguarding and transmitting knowledge through a period of cultural transformation.