Malatestiana Library, built by Malatesta Novella between 1447–52. The oldest parts of the library are only available via guided tour. Photo by Renée DeVoe Mertz.
It’s NaNoWriMo again. To stay inspired as we come to the end of the first week of the novel-writing challenge, I’m reflecting on the sustainability and physical beauty of books by revisiting one of the world’s oldest public libraries: Biblioteca Malatestiana, located in Cesena, Italy.
One of the chained books from the Malatestiana Library. Photo by Renée DeVoe Mertz.
Chained books in the Malatestiana reading room. Photo by Renée DeVoe Mertz.
Corner of the display room in the Malatestiana Library. Photo by Renée DeVoe Mertz.
Display case with miniature books, Malatestiana Library. Photo by Renée DeVoe Mertz.
Detail of illuminated manuscript on display at the Malatestiana Library. Photo by Renée DeVoe Mertz.
Detail of illuminated manuscript on display at the Malatestiana Library. Photo by Renée DeVoe Mertz.
Detail of map on display at the Malatestiana Library. Photo by Renée DeVoe Mertz.
Bars protecting the reading room of the Malatestiana Library. Photo by Renée DeVoe Mertz.