The library of the Łowicz Chapter (an outline of the history)

Abstract

The Łowicz Chapter cared for several public institutions in the city. Many miniaturists and illuminators were active in Łowicz in the second half of the 15th century, and the library as a support for the chapter school was established there over time. Its development was related to an increasing role of the chapter in the intellectual and social life of Łowicz, and the library collections increased mostly due to the archbishops' donations. It suffered losses during the Swedish Deluge, but it amounted to 740 volumes at the end of the 18th century. Its position decreased significantly at the moment of the chapter's dissolution by the tsarist authorities in 1865. The library was reorganised and started its effective functioning only in the 20s. of the 20th century. Currently, the chapter book collection is one of many collected formerly by different Łowicz church institutions, but the only one which survived destructions faced by Poland.