La Biblioteca Angelica di Roma, founded in 1604 by the Augustinian bishop Angelo Rocca, was the first European library open to the public.
The ancient collection is estimated at about 120,000 volumes mainly related to Augustinian thought and the history of the Reformation and Counter-Reformation.
The institutional purpose of the Library is the protection, enhancement, and increase of this heritage. Since 1940 it has been the seat of the Literary Academy of the Arcadia. Since 1975 it has been part of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism.
