Monastic libraries were collections of books and manuscripts maintained by religious communities, particularly during the Middle Ages. These libraries served as centers of learning and preservation of knowledge, housing texts on theology, philosophy, and science. Monks, such as those from the Benedictine order, often copied and illuminated manuscripts, ensuring the survival of classical works. These libraries played a crucial role in the intellectual life of the time, providing resources for education and spiritual growth. Many monastic libraries, like the famous Bodleian Library at Oxford University, became important repositories of knowledge, influencing the development of universities and the spread of literacy.