UG buildings: the University Library

The University of Groningen as we know it now is more than the Academy Building alone. In this series, based on the podwalk and the Dutch booklet In the footsteps of the Academy , we will put the spotlight on various buildings—and a work of art—of the UG and their history. In this episode: the University Library.

Across from the Academy Building lies the University Library (UB). The first academic library in Groningen dates back to 1615, one year after the foundation of the University. This makes it one of the oldest libraries in the Netherlands which by now boasts an ample collection of more than three million books, including valuable medieval works.

It is the only university library in the Netherlands that has always stood at more or less the same location. Over time, it has used as many as four different buildings, to continually meet the needs of a growing number of students and staff members and the demands of changing times. Some former accommodations are still in use, including the University Museum.

The current building was opened in 1987. For this, the Roman Catholic Sint-Martinuskerk—not to be confused with the Martinikerk— had to be demolished. Even though this church had been granted cathedral status when the diocese of Groningen was founded in 1956, it had been empty for quite some time. The demolition did not go without protest, partly because the building was on the list of national monuments and historic buildings and was designed by the renowned architect Pierre Cuypers—known for the Rijksmuseum and the Amsterdam central station.

In 1895, the medieval Broer- or Academiekerk had suffered the same fate on this site. This church had belonged to the University for two centuries, but was once again dedicated to Catholic worship from 1815 onwards. During the demolition in 1982, the physical remains that were found in and around the Martinuskerk —also of strict Calvinists— were reburied on the Roman Catholic churchyard. The gravestones of twelve professors were already moved to the basement of the Academy Building in 1909; the memorial stone for Ubbo Emmius is on display in the hall nowadays.

The current building is a creation by architect Piet Tauber. The huge glass façade is a striking feature. It creates a clear view of the central hall, with its large and spacious staircase that widens going upward. The library’s function of lending and viewing books has evolved to include that of facilitating reading and studying, among other things. There are now 2,100 study spaces spread out over four floors for students, who are only too happy to make use of them—especially during exam periods. Apart from a valuable academic role, the UB also started taking on a very important social role in the student life.

Want to find out more?

Check out the previous edition on

• The Academy Building

• The Ubbo Emmius monument

Are you interested in the buildings and history of the UG? You can download the podwalk ‘In the footsteps of the Academy’ for free. Go to the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android) and search for ‘Op stap met Aletta’. The walking route is also available as a book from the I-Shop (University shop) for €9.95.