Whether it is archaeology or books, the École Biblique et Archéologique Française de Jérusalem has always been committed to protecting the heritage of the Holy Land. One of its greatest assets is its library, which allows researchers to conduct their studies in ideal conditions. However, to maintain the quality of this essential department for research, we need your help. Br. Bernard Ntamak-Songué, OP, librarian, explains:
“In these times of war, paradoxically, we are seeing a growing number of new library members. When the first Dominican friars arrived in 1880 — also a troubled time — they brought books with them in their suitcases. The library was then built through donations from pilgrims, local residents, and purchases from the souk. Now holding 460,000 volumes, it grows by 5,000 new titles each year thanks to the work of our cataloguing team — a team that has unfortunately lost its volunteers due to the war. Built by scholars for scholars in the fields of biblical and archaeological studies, the library provides a safe and ideal space to study the Bible in the land of the Bible. This unique resource, accessible 24/7 to resident researchers and an integral part of the Holy Land’s heritage, now faces many challenges.
We have discovered that, although books no longer arrive on donkey-back, those ordered from abroad were, until recently, routed through the Red Sea. The ongoing conflict not only disrupts their delivery but has also led to dramatic increases in shipping costs, forcing us to seek alternative routes. Still, this library of living books remains a place of encounters: each year, researchers from over 30 countries fill its reading tables. Furthermore, donations, exchanges, and partnerships allow us to maintain the quality of our collection. In this difficult context, the École is also working to fix a problem of water leaks which, alongside the need to replace nearly 200 damaged books, imposes an additional burden on our already war-strained budget.
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Photo: ÉBAF, Ordo Prædicatorum.
Finally, the last challenge in this series — or so we hope — is that the system responsible for maintaining a constant temperature, essential for preserving the collection, is showing serious signs of wear. Its replacement has become urgent.
A library is knowledge received, shared, and passed on. It is also a collective endeavor that transcends continents, cultures, and generations. The library of the École Biblique et Archéologique Française stands as a unique resource and environment for specialized research.
To protect, promote, and further develop this shared heritage, we need everyone’s help. Now more than ever, whether individuals or institutions, your support is vital to continue this mission of service.
We are counting on you.“
