Report: Boston Public Library’s rare books are growing moldy
Losing—and then finding— famous artwork may only be the beginning of the Boston Public Library’s problems. Rare books and valuable prints at the library are in need of much more care than they’ve been given, according to The Boston Globe, which cited an unreleased consultant’s report. But the library may not be able to afford the work needed to keep up with the rare books, prints, and art it controls.
How bad is the problem? A former book conservator said the library’s rare titles often grow mold during summer months, according to The Globe.
David McCullough, best-selling author, historian, and former BPL trustee, told The Globe the library’s neglected print collection is “being allowed to deteriorate at an unconscionably fast rate.’’
“I’ve never felt that there was adequate funding for adequate care of it all,’’ he said. “I got very much involved in trying to rescue the national treasures.’’
The 320,000 prints kept at the library include the Rembrandt and Dürer sketches that went missing before being found earlier this month. The Rembrandt, a self-portrait, is estimated to be worth at least $20,000, and the Dürer has been valued at over $600,000.
Amy Ryan, the library’s former president, resigned amidst the controversy one day before the lost prints were found. Last month’s missing prints weren’t the first to be lost.
Read the full Globe report here.
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