Leuven's library

I had a great time today, a new friend took me to Leuven, where I had never been before. What a beautiful city and to think it has suffered major damages in wars at least twice. I learned a lot today, I never knew Leuven's ancient city centre was practically destroyed in August 1914 by the German army. They set fire to most of the inner city including the old university library which amongst other things meant 300.000 books were burned. Those books that were still recognisable as books but totally scorched were gathered then and later treasured in see-through boxes with white edges. With the centenary commemorations coming up after this weekend there are exhibitions on WW1 all over the city, where you can find these boxes with the burned books too. Very impressive tales, but what a terrible destruction. The destruction of Leuven/Louvain in 1914 became known worldwide and money was collected and donated by many American institutes of learning and wealthy patrons to resurrect a new Library in an old style.
Well worth a visit! Here's an impression of the staircase hall with lovely coloured glass mosaic windows. We also went to the M-Museum and saw their 1914-1918 exhibition "Ravage", an exhibition combining the ravage of Leuven during WW1 with the ravages of war worldwide through time and artworks. Particularly haunting to see Palestinian exhibits.

Thanks very much for your comments and stars on yesterday bug, which was a Rhododendron Leafhopper :-)