LeVar Burton Reads
Atlas Obscura presents: Mafra Palace Library Bats
Feb 6, 2024
Discover the unique nighttime guardians in Mafra Palace Library: bats. Learn about the measures taken to preserve the rare book collection. Explore the presence of bats in the library and their role in protecting books from pests like bookworms. Appreciate the annual event at Mafra Palace where scientists and community members observe and learn about bats.
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Quick takeaways
- The Mafra Palace Library in Portugal uses resident bats to control the population of bookworms, contributing to the preservation of its valuable book collection without the need for harmful chemicals.
- The presence of bats in the library is celebrated through events like 'The Night of the Bats', which raise awareness about their importance in preserving history and the environment, while also collecting scientific data.
Deep dives
The Mafra Palace Library: A Grand and Historic Treasure
The Mafra Palace Library, located in Mofra, Portugal, is an extraordinary and ancient library that houses over 35,000 rare volumes, including the first encyclopedia and books from before the 16th century. The librarian, Teresa Amaro, plays a crucial role in conserving and protecting these valuable books, ensuring their longevity. The library's unique feature is its resident bats, which come out at night to help control the population of bookworms, insects that feed on paper and pose a threat to the collection. The presence of the bats has allowed the library to avoid the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides, contributing to the preservation of the books and fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and bats.
