The library is not simply a library in the traditional sense of the term. It not only serves scientific research and education, but also elevates the documents held here into museum artefacts. The library’s collection includes classic Hungarian literature, literary history writing and literary museology. Its outstanding task involves the collection of first editions. Furthermore, we endeavour to acquire both domestic and foreign editions of works of Hungarian literature. There are numerous extremely valuable first editions in the collection. Significant rare volumes can be found among the books. For example, one prized work is a copy of the Vizsoly Bible dating from 1590. Another is The Hammer of the Village, which was presumably illustrated by the author himself, Sándor Petőfi.
An important part of the library’s collection is devoted to literary works written in emigration. They are unique and include numerous volumes and journals which cannot be found elsewhere in Hungary.
