Culture: Three Libraries in Gyöngyös

We took a bus trip to Gyöngyös (west of Eger, about an hour) and my colleague Bert showed us around his home town, concentrating on a wonderful trio of libraries. First, we went to the gymnasium (secondary school) where Bert was once a student, then a teacher, and, finally, headmaster for five years. During that time he accomplished a dream of creating a beautiful and functional library.

We then visited the ecclesiastical library of the Franciscans. Although there are few monks left in the order at this location, the library that has been preserved is remarkable. After World War II, monks walled in the most precious volumes to preserve them, including a Gutenberg Bible found only in the late 1990s. There is a museum, and the large collection of books, in many languages and dating from as early as the 1300s, are displayed in the original bookcases. We had a wonderful tour from a man who is a volunteer, and displays a deep and rich knowledge of the collection.

Following lunch, we continued the library theme, visiting the town library, the Vachott Sándor Városi Könyvtár. This beautiful building in the center of the city holds not only a good collection and modern computing facilities, but also the artwork of Hermann Lipót, a famous Hungarian artist. The assistant director took us on a wonderful tour, and, as we've come to expect, offered us gracious hospitality.

A late afternoon refreshment (this region is well known for white wines) in the sunshine, then back on the bus to Eger. The sunlight on the Mátra (hills), rape fields (brilliant yellow) and vineyards (new green shoots) was a perfect finish to the day.

Take a trip to Gyöngyös with this musical slide show.