The Vatican Apostolic Library reopened its blessed halls Monday following a three-year renovation, according to library officials.
Climate-controlled rooms for precious manuscripts, electronic microchips in books, and state-of-the-art safety measures to stop theft and loss are just a few of the changes made to the library, officials said.
Pictures unconfined by the Vatican give the public a rare view of the library, which is open only to teachers, scholars and researchers.
The library now combines its historical prettiness with new safety and comfort features. They include an enhanced cataloguing system and better spacing for the thousands of people it serves each year, officials said.
The Vatican Apostolic Library is home to world-renowned manuscripts, drawings, engravings, coins and medals.
It also houses millions of written books, including archival materials used by scholars and researchers from all over the world, according to the Vatican.
