After the first World-War, there was a movement from the United States of America to rebuild a new library For the University of Leuven. This is why you see the American Flag hanging on the spire.



The result was a mixture of renaissance and barok by Whitney Warren, built between 1921 and 1928.



On the market, there is a galery, supported by square pillars between which semi-circular (round) arches. The large windows on the first floor are ornated by balusters. The wall ends on open work. The large saddleback roof is ritmed by 3 rows of dormers.



In the middle, the fassade is broken by a gable on inbedded columns. it is crowned by shellwork and 3 obelisks carrying a small ball. Furthermore, it is ornated by volutes, swags and 3 niches containing statues. The statue in the middle is Our Lady the Victor (by the French Jean Dampt). The bas relief shows the fire of the old library.



On the first floor, there are 3 halfround balconies, of which the doors carry a fronton with a buste. These show King Albert I, his wife Queen Elisabeth and the prince (later king) Leopold III.





The tower is 87 metres heigh.



In 1940, the building caught fire being shot by the German artillery.

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