Franciscans have always appreciated the study of theology as well as of other sciences. Thus, from the very beginning they have appreciated and collected books. It was Fr. Hijacint Repič (1863–1918), who dedicated much time to the library in Koper and cleared up and supplemented the catalogue. At his time, the library comprised about 12,000 volumes and also kept 59 incunables and 83 rare and valuable books. Upon the order of Italian authorities, the latter together with the catalogue were taken to Venice by the Franciscans of the Venetian province between the years 1942 and 1944.
After 1948 the state of Yugoslavia brought the then library to the collection centre in Portorož and subsequently to the present Srečko Vilhar Central Library in Koper. This library kept the more valuable part of the library stock (we hope it will be given back soon), whereas the rest was, after repeated requests of the Franciscans, returned to St. Anne’s church. Here it was preserved by Fr. Atanazij Kocjančič, who gave over his living quarters to the books. While travelling between the collection centre and the central library and then back to St. Anne’s, the library stock was taken by other libraries or came into the hands of private collectors. From time to time some private collector finds enough courage to return the books that came into his hands due to historical circumstances to their original place i.e. to the monastery. We are grateful to them as well as to all those who are still going to do it. The library stock now kept in the monastery is waiting to be catalogued.
