These precious works have four origins: three religious and one lay. Either: - the monastery of the Visitation of Saint Mary. Many nuns were scholars who knew Latin (of course) but also Greek or Hebrew. They were also interested in literature and sciences. - The Cistercian abbey of Perseigne founded in 1145 by Guillaume III Talvas. His fame in the 12th and 13th centuries was considerable. A part of its richly stocked library was saved after its sale as a national property. - the Cistercian abbey of Tironneau (in the town of St Aignan), founded in 1149. Some works have come to us. - the Bachelier collection, named after a Alensus scholar who donated his personal library to the town of Mamers.