Special Collections: Home

In addition to the reference and circulation collections, Maly Library offers a Special Collection of over 11,000 books that concentrates on church history and liturgical books. This collection includes 35 manuscripts and 22 incunabula, dating to as early as the 12th century. A sample of some of our holdings:

• Peter Lombard (1095-1160) Liber Sententiarum or Book of Sentences, a gift to the seminary library from Bishop Purcell;
• Pope Innocent III (1161-1216. Pope, 1198-1216). De Sacro Altaris Mysterio. Title on manuscript: De Missarum Solemniis;
• Augustine, Aurelius (St. Augustine). Tractatus varii; 14th century.
• Cyprianus, Saint. Epistolae; 15th century.
• A 16th century Book of Hours (pictured right)

To search the collection, go to the Maly Library Catalog. Under "Select a Collection," choose Athenaeum Rare Book & Special Coll. Enter your search terms in the search box and click Search.

Items in our special collection cannot be removed from the library and an appointment is necessary to view any items for research purposes. Researchers are welcome to contact the library to make an appointment.

A 45-60 minute presentation of some of our rare books is available to the public. In addition to the presentation, a tour of the St. Gregory Chapel and the Immaculate Conception Chapel are also available. Please contact the Athenaeum at 513-231-2223 to schedule either or both the chapel tour and rare books presentation.