Klimo Library

Klimo Library
Klimo Könyvtár
The current 19th century building of the library
46°04′41″N 18°13′38″E / 46.078048°N 18.227158°E / 46.078048; 18.227158
Location7621 Pécs, Szepesy Ignác st. 3., Hungary
Typepublic and university library, former special library
Established1774 (1774)
ArchitectJózsef Piacsek
Collection
Specialisationpolitical science and jurisprudence (formerly)
Items collectedhistorical (currently) and interdisciplinary documents, items (formerly)
Access and use
Access requirementsHungarian citizenship or registration, special requirements for research
Other information
DirectorGábor Szeberényi (director of the university library)
Parent organisationUniversity of Pécs
AffiliationRoman Catholic Diocese of Pécs
Websitewww.lib.pte.hu/en

The Klimo Library (Hungarian: Klimo Könyvtár), Klimo Collection (Hungarian: Klimo Gyűjtemény) or Episcopal Library (Hungarian: Püspöki Könyvtár) established in 1774 is the first public library of Hungary. It was established in Pécs by György Klimó, Bishop of Pécs and it is still operating. Although Klimó could not establish a university in Pécs, he still opened the library for the public. Until the Great War, the library was operating constantly under the episcopal see. After that, the building of the library and its collection were given to the university by Bishop Gyula Zichy for eternal use.

From 1924, the library was the main university library of the University of Pécs (previously Elisabeth University of Bratislava) until 2010, when most of the university's collection was migrated to the University Library of Pécs and Centre for Learning. During this period, it was also a special library for political science and jurisprudence. Now the library contains historical documents and items and hosts an exhibition about the history of the university.