BIBLIOTECA CENTRALĂ ASTRA
ASTRA MAIN LIBRARY

Summary/Abstract: The library of the Astra association is the only institution founded along with the association (1861). Many of the goals of Astra Association were inspired by the existence of this library, which was intended to store and disseminate books throughout entire Romania. The documents it was designated to host, as well as its books and collections, have contributed to the linking of the scientific centers in Transylvania and those in the neighboring regions. The library of Astra Association has greatly contributed to the “culturalization” of the Transylvanian inhabitants, greatly aided by the early establishing of archivist and librarian positions upon Timotei Cipariu’s suggestion. The main library of the Astra Association had ties with the Imperial Academy of Sciences in Vienna, the Academy of Sciences and “Petru Maior” Society in Budapest, the Romanian Academy, “Christinia” Royal University in Norway, the Library of Cernowitz University, the Library of Florence University, the Geographic Institute in Buenos Aires, the Italian Geographic Society in Rome, etc. Owing to its position among similar Transylvanian institutions, as well as to its 75-year role as Transylvania’s national Romanian library, the Library of Astra Association was an important cultural factor, supporting the Romanian nation in its seeking political unification, as well as European integration.

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