"When Islamic State militants advanced toward a monastery perched on a mountain in northern Iraq, the monks rushed to protect a cherished library of centuries-old Christian manuscripts," reports the AP. "Dozens of the handwritten books were spirited to safety in nearby Kurdish-ruled areas."

They now remain hidden in an apartment where Christians who have fled the fighting are watching over them.

(READ more in the AP story here)

Story tip from Merrell / File photo (unrelated)