The Central University Library

The previous institution that hosted the Central University Library had been the Transylvanian Museum Library, the first institution from the city that had served the larger public. The Transylvanian Museum Library had been open to the readers between 1860 and 1872 until the University had taken over its funds.

After having signed the contract, the Central University Library had taken possession of 30.408 books.
Initially the safekeeping of these books had been done improperly, while the students and teachers could access these books in very damp and dilapidated rooms. Meanwhile, the role of a well-equipped library in the academic environment had increased considerably and this fact was proved by the rather large number or book purchases. By the year 1890, the book-stock of the library has reached the impressive figure of 200.000 books. Due to the increasing demand for new books, the University Council and the leading board of the library decided to launch a campaign that aimed to build new headquarters for the Library.