Jagiellonian Library

The Jagiellonian Library at Aleja Mickiewicza 22 is the main library of the Jagiellonian University and one of the largest libraries in Poland. Visitors can learn about the building and its history and see the exhibitions organised by the library.

The building and collections

The building was constructed in three stages: in 1931-1939 (the main block, to a design by Wacław Krzyżanowski), 1961-1963 and 1995-2001. It is an example of functional modernism. The structure was devised by Stefan Bryła, who used steel columns in the form of tubes, which also serve as ventilation ducts. The façade is finished in Volhynian granite and Szydłowiec sandstone. Among the collections are Copernicus's "On the Revolutions", the Behem Codex of Balthasar Behem and the Kraków Almanac of 1474, the oldest Polish printed book.

What to see

The library organises exhibitions and has a photo gallery of the building on its website. Tours of the building are intended for organised groups and last about an hour and a half. The route covers the history of the library and the building, the reading rooms on the first floor, the transport of books by the Telelift system, the digitisation workshop and the card catalogue. By prior arrangement a group can also see the mass deacidification workshop (Paper Clinic). Visits are arranged in advance through the contact given on the library's website.

In the same area stands the National Museum in Kraków, and about 500 m away lies Henryk Jordan Park.

Practical information

• Address: aleja Adama Mickiewicza 22, Kraków.
• Tours for organised groups, on working days, by prior booking; details at bj.uj.edu.pl.
• Check the current exhibitions and the rules of entry for people from outside the university on the library's website before your visit.