Since 1995, the library has been under the care of the Fondazione Ranieri di Sorbello (known since 2024 as the Fondazione Ranieri di Sorbello ETS). Its origins trace back to 18th-century collections belonging to prominent members of the historic Bourbon Del Monte di Sorbello family, particularly Uguccione III (1737–1816), Diomede (1743–1811), and Ugolino (1745–1809). The earliest known inventory, dated 1802, lists around 3,000 volumes.
Today, the library holds over 30,000 volumes, organized into four major sections, in addition to an archive of historical documents. In recent years, the holdings have expanded thanks to deposits from scholars and donations from the family (see Recent Acquisitions). The library’s growth has also benefited from exchanges with other libraries and institutions.
Since 1995, the library’s holdings have been systematically re-catalogued and digitized in accordance with modern standards. In 1998, it was opened to the public and remains accessible for consultation 12 hours per week. It maintains its identity as a specialized library, supporting high-level and scholarly research.
For details on the chronological organization of the library’s collections, refer to the Library Holdings section. Library Holdings
For information about private donations and deposits, consult the Recent Acquisitions section. Recent Acquisitions
