Biblioteca Archivio "Renato Maestro"
- Library Archive "Renato Maestro"
- Library "Renato Maestro"
- Comunita ebraica di Venezia: Biblioteca Archivio "Renato Maestro"
- Jewish Community of Venice:Library Archives "Renato Maestro"
Address
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History
Renato Maestro library opened in 1981 in Venice's historic Jewish ghetto. The library was established to promote the written and archival heritage of the Jewish community of Venice, in fulfillment of the vision expressed in the will of the late Renato Maestro.
Geographical and Cultural Context
The library is intended to help spread knowledge of Jewish civilization and culture, particularly as to the Jews of Venice and Italy.
Records Management and Collecting Policies
The archival files collected with the contribution of the municipality of Venice, the Veneto region and the Libraries and Archives Service Bureau of the Veneto region.
Building(s)
Through the financial support of the Veneto region, the library relocated in 1991 to a new modern facility near the Venice Jewish museum.
Archival and Other Holdings
The Library maintains almost 600 archival files. Furthermore holds book collection of history, religion, fiction, periodicals, ancient books, and a video library.
Of special interest are the Jewish archives which are conserved in the Renato Maestro Library Archive, containing documents dating back to 1589 . Of particular importance are the documents of the Board of Directors and the Presidency that comprise the regulatory documents of the Community through 1949, as well as the sets that cover the Civil and State Registry, the Catechumens and abjurations, Discriminations, Persecutions, deportations. This archive has been reorganized and there is a printed inventory. Documentation from 1815 through the current era, stored in the archival warehouse, was recently re-organized and newly ordered.
Finding Aids, Guides, and Publication
An online catalog is available [here] (http://siusa.archivi.beniculturali.it/cgi-bin/pagina.pl?TipoPag=cons&Chiave=15076&RicFrmRicSemplice=ebraic%2a%20&RicSez=conservatori&RicVM=ricercasemplice).
However, it currently contains only about 70% of the securities actually preserved in the Library and contains a catalog of about 2,000 ancient Jewish texts.
Opening Times
The Archives is available by appointment, after submitting a written request or by e-mail to the Director.
Research Services
It is possible to submit requests for information to the director.
Reproduction Services
Reproductions of records and books are according to the Italian legislation and are submitted to the archives' director approval.
Other Connected Items
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The Comunità ebraica di Venezia is the representative and administrative body of the Jewish Community of Venice. The Biblioteca Archivio Renato Maestro is an independent institution from 1981. It is the holder of the Historical Archive of the Jewish Community of Venice and many other Venetian Jewish institutions.