The University Library of Leuven
Historical Walking Guide
Jan Van Impe (Author),
Updated pocket guide with history, architecture, biographical notes and a walking tour in and around the library. The University Library at the Mgr. Ladeuzeplein in Leuven is not only a beautiful building and a modern scientific library consulted by more than 100,000 readers a year, but also an important historical monument. Its foundations are rooted in that tragic episode in the 20th century, the First World War. In the mass destruction of Leuven in 1914 the library of the University was burned and completely destroyed. Thanks to generous American donations the new library building on the Mgr. Ladeuzeplein was established in 1921. For anyone who wants to learn more about the history of this remarkable building, or who wants to walk in and around the library, this guide is an absolute must! Ook verkrijgbaar in het Nederlands (ISBN 9789058679208)
PREFACE
PART I. FROM AUGUST 1914 TO MAY 1968
The sacking of Louvain
Leuven burns
International indignation
International aid
The new University Library: A gift from the American people
The fire of May 1940
The reconstruction
The schism after 1968
PART II. THE OLD UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 1636-1914 51
PART III. Guided Tour
Style
Facade
Blijde-Inkomststraat side
Rear
Bell tower
Ground floor
Grand staircase and first floor Hall
Main Reading Room
Grand staircase and second floor Hall
CONCISE BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDIX: LIST OF COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUES, COMMEMORATIVE STONES AND INSCRIPTIONS ON THE WALLS AND PILASTERS OF THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "The University Library of Leuven" about?
Updated pocket guide with history, architecture, biographical notes and a walking tour in and around the library. The University Library at the Mgr. Ladeuzeplein in Leuven is not only a beautiful building and a modern scientific library consulted by more than 100,000 readers a year, but also an important historical monument. Its foundations are rooted in that tragic episode in the 20th century, the First World War. In the mass destruction of Leuven in 1914 the library of the University was burned and completely destroyed. Thanks to generous American donations the new library building on the Mgr. Ladeuzeplein was established in 1921. For anyone who wants to learn more about the history of this remarkable building, or who wants to walk in and around the library, this guide is an absolute must! Ook verkrijgbaar in het Nederlands (ISBN 9789058679208)
Who wrote "The University Library of Leuven"?
"The University Library of Leuven" was written by Jan Van Impe.
Jan Van Impe studeerde archeologie aan de KU Leuven. Hij heeft gewerkt als archeoloog
en journalist en werkt sinds 1996 voor de Universiteitsbibliotheek als informatiespecialist.
Is "The University Library of Leuven" part of a series?
Yes, "The University Library of Leuven" is part of the "Lovaniensia - 600 Years KU Leuven" series. It's book 32 in the series.
What is the Table of Contents for "The University Library of Leuven"?
PREFACE
PART I. FROM AUGUST 1914 TO MAY 1968
The sacking of Louvain
Leuven burns
International indignation
International aid
The new University Library: A gift from the American people
The fire of May 1940
The reconstruction
The schism after 1968
PART II. THE OLD UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 1636-1914 51
PART III. Guided Tour
Style
Facade
Blijde-Inkomststraat side
Rear
Bell tower
Ground floor
Grand staircase and first floor Hall
Main Reading Room
Grand staircase and second floor Hall
CONCISE BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDIX: LIST OF COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUES, COMMEMORATIVE STONES AND INSCRIPTIONS ON THE WALLS AND PILASTERS OF THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
Related titles
Toekomstdromen
Maarten Van Dijck (Editor), Gerrit Verhoeven (Editor), Hans Cools (Editor),
October 2026
German–Rapanui Entanglements
Cristián Moreno Pakarati (Editor), Diego Muñoz (Editor), Philipp Schorch (Editor),
August 2026
Trend en toeval – vierde editie
Bruno Blondé (Author), Isabelle Devos (Author), Jord Hanus (Author), Wouter Ryckbosch (Author),
August 2026
Cinema in Post-War Belgium
Gertjan Willems (Editor), Bjorn Gabriels (Editor), Bénédicte Rochet (Editor),
May 2026
Performing Magnetism
Eleonora Paklons (Editor), Kristof Smeyers (Editor), Kurt Vanhoutte (Editor), Hannah Welslau (Editor),
May 2026
Brusselse plaatsnamen
Iadine Degryse (Editor), Benjamin Wayens (Editor), Chantal Kesteloot (Editor), Dennis De Vriese (Editor), Matthijs Degraeve (Editor),
April 2026
Cartographies of Catastrophes
Laura Demeter (Editor), Carmen M. Enss (Editor), Piotr Kisiel (Editor), Carol Ludwig (Editor),
February 2026
Vroegmoderne dieren in de Nederlanden
Judith Brouwer (Editor), djoeke van Netten (Editor),
November 2025