The University Library of Leuven

The University Library of Leuven is not only a modern scientific library which is visited by more than 100.000 readers a year. The Library is also an important historical monument. The story of this library must be unique among those of the world's great universities. Plundered during Napoleonic times, twice destroyed by fire and then divided to provide the fledging Universite Catholique de Louvain with own core library, it has experienced more than its share of vicissitudes. The phoenix has risen several times. In this accessible guide, the reader will find history, iconography, architecture, biographic notes and a guided tour.