National Széchényi Library Országos Széchényi Könyvtár OSZK

History and Founding

Hungary's National Széchényi Library (Országos Széchényi Könyvtár, OSZK) was founded in 1802 by Count Ferenc Széchényi, a patriotic Hungarian aristocrat who collected Hungarian books from across the world and donated them to the nation. The public library opened in Pest in 1803. In 1808, the Hungarian National Assembly created the Hungarian National Museum and incorporated the library into it. The library moved to the Hungarian National Museum's permanent building in 1846. In 1949 it was re-established as a separate national institution. In 1984, the library moved to its current home in Building F of the Buda Castle complex.

Collections and Holdings

The OSZK collects all publications produced in Hungary in any language, works by Hungarian authors abroad, and works published in foreign languages relating to Hungary — collectively known as hungarica. The library receives two legal deposit copies of each Hungarian publication. Special collections include the Incunabulum Collection (1,800 books printed before 1500, including a fragment of the Gutenberg Bible and the Chronica Hungarorum), the Antiqua Collection (13,000 16th-century items), the Old Hungarian Library (8,500 volumes including the Vizsoly Bible), the Apponyi Collection, the Map Collection (over 300,000 items), the Collection of Posters and Small Prints (established 1935), and the Theatre History Collection (established 1949). The library's photo collection, established in 2007, holds 40,000 glass plates or film negatives.

Notable Materials Related to Journalism and Media

The OSZK holds an extensive collection of Hungarian newspapers and periodicals, including historical press dating back to the early 19th century. The Manuscript Collection holds notable radio broadcasting archives, including materials from Radio Free Europe's Hungarian Service and recordings from the BBC Hungarian Radio Service, particularly relating to the 1956 revolution and 1989 political changes.

Access and Usage

The library is located in Buda Castle, accessible to registered readers. Its Helveticat-equivalent online catalogue provides access to records. Digital resources are increasingly available online. The library has a bookshop and regular exhibitions.