Z dziejów przebudowy gmachu Biblioteki Uniwersyteckiej KU
On the History of the Reconstruction of the Building of KUL Library

Summary/Abstract: The University Library of KUL was established together with the University in 1918. Initially, it was located in the Bernardine monastery at 4 Dolna Panny Marii Street. In 1947 the library was moved to an incomplete building of the Cinematheatre of Catholic Action at 27 Chopin Street, the building that was presented to KUL by the then Lublin Bishop Stefan Wyszyński. In the years of 1947-1952 the building was adapted to library needs, a task that was not easy. Yet another floor was added, and in the break four floors of storehouse for books were placed. Among other things, a two-storey building was completed. It housed the Main Reading Room, the Journals Reading Room, and other rooms for librarians. The second stage of reconstruction embraces the period of 1959-1972. It sought, above all, to extend the store space by including the cinema hall that was not used, a reconstruction of the staircase, hall, and entrance. The Main Reading Room, Journals Room, Scientific and Theological Information were moved to a new place. Two floors were added: the third on the side of the yard and the fourth over the stores. The latter floor was destined for the largest reading room. Technical installations were modernised, lifts were installed, and the elevation was made uniform. The last stage of the Library’s reconstruction, commenced in 1998, is still going on. A north wing was added and destined for six storeys of modern stores, lending library, rooms for administration, the staff, and a Reading Room for Special Collections. Completion work is going on inside the building. They are designed to enhance the comfort of readers and the stuff of the Library. There are also plans to modernise the elevation.

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