The Souvay Memorial Library has a rare book collection that is accessible by request. If you wish to inquire about any items or if you need access, please contact the Library Director.
A thirteenth-century canon law manuscript codex is the oldest and rarest item in the vault, which also includes a 1495 incunable Bible, medieval manuscript fragments, dozens of early imprints from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and a collection of early American catechisms.
All patrons, including seminarians, faculty, and resident clergy of Kenrick-Glennon, are asked to adhere to the following guidelines, which are consistent with current best practices in rare book librarianship:
Non-Kenrick patrons must also check in coats, jackets, and bags (including purses and backpacks) with library staff before consulting rare items.
Souvay has a limited collection of archival items related to the Kenrick-Glennon Seminary and its history. These too are accessible by request. To inquire about or gain access to the Seminary Archives, please contact a member of the library staff.
The Archdiocese of St. Louis maintains a much more extensive archival collection of items related to the Seminary, as well as data and information about the priests who have studied here, been ordained here, and/or served in the Archdiocese. You can find out more about the Archdiocesan archives at their website, and you can learn more about their Seminary-related collections here.