Old University Library of Leuven in Belgium

During the summer of 2017, I visited a lot of interesting places, which really had

great royal connections. One of them was the Old University Library of Leuven 

(in French: Louvain), Belgium. 

University Library Louvain, Belgium

Some history

The University of Louvain was founded in 1425 with the support of John I, Duke of

Brabant.

Until 1636 there was no library on the University. Then it was very likely that students

had access to printed books or manuscripts through their professors or to
the houses of their colleges. 

In 1636, however, a library was founded in the former cloth hall of Louvain. That year

the southern Netherlands were ruled by the Spanish Habsburgs.

Louvain, Belgium University Library the building in the former Cloth Hall

During the first days of World War I, in 1914, the library was burned down by armies

of the German Empire. 

Fire during World War I in Louvain, Belgium

After World War I, the idea to restore the library arose in Paris, France. But the new

building was American due to the architect Whitney Warren (1864 -1943), who took

care for the design and due to the American gifts.

The University Library received many important visitors. In 1961, King Baudouin of

Belgium visited the buildings.

King Baudouin of Belgium during a visit in 1961

The American connection of the library always existed. The building received

visits from inter alia Barbara Bush and Laura Bush.

American visitors in Louvain, Belgium

Nowadays this library contains more than 4 million books.