University of Coimbra General Library, Academic library in Sé Nova district, Coimbra, Portugal
The University of Coimbra General Library consists of two buildings: the Joanina Library holds books before 1800, while the New Building houses about one million volumes. The newer structure spans four floors with study spaces and resources for research and learning.
This library traces back to the Livraria de Estudo, which existed before the university established its permanent home in Coimbra in 1537. Over the centuries, the collection grew through systematic purchases and became central to the academic mission.
The library shows how knowledge grew over centuries with books gathered from different regions and donations that shaped what is housed here. Visitors today can see this variety on the shelves and understand how collecting became central to this place.
The newer buildings provide access to extensive collections spread across four floors with various study spaces for different needs. Keep in mind that the older Joanina Library with its historical books has special access rules and requires separate visiting arrangements.
Before the 1800s, a colony of bats lived in the historical library and naturally protected the books from harmful insects. This unusual partnership allowed the collection to survive intact over many centuries.
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