Explore, Play, and Learn at the Book Adventure!

You can also try writing like they did long ago and feel what it was like to express yourself before pens and computers existed. For the puzzle lovers, there are large giant puzzles to solve and hidden doors and peek-through displays to explore, where exciting stories are waiting to be discovered.

One of the highlights at the Book Adventure is our miniature models of three of Skara’s oldest houses. Children can step inside and play in these historical settings, letting their imaginations run wild and becoming part of the story themselves. You might even want to pretend to be a printer, creating your own prints just like in the old days, or dress up and bring a new character to life. Why not draw pictures of Birger Uggla in one of the small houses and take them home with you?

The Book Adventure is a place where imagination blossoms and history comes to life! Here, children and adults alike can explore a world filled with play, learning, and the joy of discovery. In the historic brick building from 1859, once home to Skara’s Diocesan and Regional Library, the past and present meet in a creative environment that sparks curiosity and adventure.

Throughout the year, various temporary exhibitions brighten visits for children. The Book Adventure offers play experiences beyond the ordinary, making it perfect for younger children and those up to 10 years old.

When it's time for a break, relax in our cozy café corner and recharge. The Book Adventure is a place where play and learning blend seamlessly, inviting visitors of all ages on a journey through the world of stories. Here, history comes alive and imagination knows no bounds.

The Skara Missal

Come and admire the original Skara Missal, Sweden’s oldest book. This unique book is over 800 years old and stands as the country’s most ancient preserved manuscript.

The Skara Missal is a medieval mass book, handwritten in Latin, bound in two parts, and beautifully illuminated with colorful details. Of the original 300 parchment leaves, only 44 pages remain today. The mass book was initially bound in a single volume but was divided into two parts during the 13th or 14th century. It is bound in wooden covers wrapped in leather. The wooden covers have been dated and come from trees that grew in Västergötland during the second half of the 13th century.

This richly illustrated book is part of a dedicated exhibition on the history of writing, and visitors can also explore it digitally.

The Old Library

The Old Library holds fantastic collections from the Middle Ages to the present day. On the second floor, you’ll find the Research Department, set in a classic library environment with its original interior preserved. Here, a vast literary heritage from the early 1200s onward is available to explore. The Research Department is also open to those interested in genealogical research.

Don't miss the chance to wander among the towering bookshelves and admire the beautiful books and historical surroundings. In the basement, there’s a “treasure chamber” housing the oldest books, such as Isaac Newton’s Mathematical Principles and much more. While this area isn’t open to the public, it’s exciting to know such treasures exist.

Welcome to the Book Adventure – where every visit becomes a new chapter!