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The library at Assumption Abbey contains volumes dating back to the 1500s. These books were brought from Europe and are mainly religious in nature. For much of the abbey’s history, the focus of the library was largely on books useful to high school and college students. However, the collection also contains many items relating to the history of the Dakotas.
Currently, without a school on the grounds, the majority of acquisitions appeal to religious and spiritual interests, although there are ongoing efforts to create strong sections in literature and history.
There are about 95,000 titles. Unlike most libraries in the state, the abbey has no computerized catalogue and the library is not a public one; the books are owned by the monastic community. Visitors may make arrangements with one of the monks to see the library, but circulation of books to those outside the community is restricted due to unfortunate experiences with loaning in the past.
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