Two Catholic Libraries in Copenhagen, 1648–1962: St Andrew's Library and Niels Steensen's Library

Abstract

Abstract The Catholic Church has a long tradition of viewing libraries as key resources; indeed, in the monasteries of mediaeval times the library was simply called an armarium (in the sense of a closet where treasures were stored — a spiritual and intellectual arsenal). More than a hundred Catholic libraries have existed in Denmark from the middle of the seventeenth century up to the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). These libraries represent an almost virgin area of research. Once the new Danish Constitution (1849), which guaranteed religious liberty, allowed the Catholic Church legally to resume its work, the libraries appear to have been important resources for the Church in all its missionary, educational and pastoral activities. The history of an ancient Catholic theological research library (St Andrew's Library) and a Catholic 'public library' (Niels Steensen's Library) of more recent date, both in Copenhagen, are treated here. It is concluded that they — each in its own way — make valuable and useful supplements to the academic and public libraries in Denmark.