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General Information

Rare Books & Special Collections

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:

  • Patrons must consult rare books, manuscripts, and archives in the library office, under the direct supervision of library staff.
  • Only librarians should retrieve and return items from the vault.
  • Patrons may only enter the vault in the company of a librarian, and only with the Library Director’s authorization.
  • We no longer require the use of gloves to handle rare items, but patrons should make sure their hands are clean.
  • Do not use pens or markers for notetaking while consulting rare items. Use pencils or a laptop instead.
  • Do not eat or drink anything (including bottled water) while consulting rare items.
  • Let the library staff know when you are finished with an item, and if you want it kept in the library office for further research.
  • Patrons are welcome to take photographs of rare items for personal study, but the flash must be turned off.

 

Non-Kenrick patrons must also check in coats, jackets, and bags (including purses and backpacks) with library staff before consulting rare items.

Seminary Archives

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.