The Seminar Library in Wloclawek and other local church and lay libraries still hold remains of rich private book collections once owned by members of the cathedral chapter. To date 41 owners of the 17th century manuscripts and old prints have been identified. The items in the collection are mostly liturgical books, theological, philosophical, historical and legal works as well as sermons. The canon men were all well-educated and had a good command of foreign languages such as Latin and Italian. A considerable number of Italian prints was probably brought to Wloclawek by the canons after they had completed their education at Italian universities like Padua or Rome. The bookplates and hand-written notes reflect canons' collector passion. The books were usually parchment bound, sometimes also cow skin or pigskin bound and embossed with gold. As no margin notes are present, it can only be assumed that the books were used in canons' regular pastoral, judicial and administrative work.
The Seminar Library in Wloclawek is a great source to research historical private book collections. Its number of books was enlarged by the local Cathedral Library in 1950. There were sometimes small parts of private libraries of prelates and canon men in this collection. Only 31 owners were identified from 18th century. Cathedral chapter was an institution, which gathered well-educated members. They learned in foreign and Polish universities. They used their private collections during studies and working as preachers and judges in the church and civil institutions. Prelates and canon men collected sermons, theological works, writings of church historians, legal works but also dictionaries and grammar books. Private libraries they amassed met their needs and helped in their pastoral, judicial and administrative work.
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