County Library, Pecs

The County Library, also known as Csorba Gyozo Library, owes its establishment to the renowned poet and librarian Gyozo Csorba. Beyond his literary contributions, Csorba played a crucial role in organizing and overseeing library operations not only in Pecs but throughout the surrounding county. His efforts were recognized in 1988 with the prestigious scientific classification award.

The library boasts a diverse range of sections covering art, music, literature, and ethnography, making it a cultural hub for visitors and researchers alike. In tribute to its founder, the library hosts a dedicated memorial room where visitors can explore photographs, books, and diplomas belonging to Gyozo Csorba. It was in 1998, on the occasion of the library’s 55th anniversary, that it was officially named after him.

The County Library began collecting local historical materials in the early 1960s, and by the 1970s, it had developed into a center for high-quality research on regional history. In 1978, it formalized its local history information services. Today, the library’s collection includes approximately 20,000 volumes, among which are the literary estates of Mihály Kelemen, a physician from Pecs, and Odo Szikrai, a sheriff from Pecsvarad. The library also houses around 4,000 books published between the 17th and 19th centuries or even earlier.

The Csorba Gyozo Library launched the Baranyai DigiTar database in 2011 to make Baranya County’s heritage more accessible. In 2012, architect Dr. Istvan Kistelegdi donated his photo collection, which was digitized under the National Digitisation Public Employment Program and shared via Europeana. These efforts reinforce the library’s role in preserving and sharing regional heritage.