The Destruction and Reconstruction of the Peruvian National Library, 1943–48

Paper title:

“The destruction and reconstruction of the Peruvian National Library, 1943-1948”

Abstract:

On May 11, 1943, the National Library of Peru, in Lima, was almost totally destroyed by a fire, the origin of which is still the subject of speculation. Thousands and thousands of books, including valuable antique titles, manuscripts, and periodicals were lost due to the flames or, more ironically perhaps, the water used by firemen in their attempt to control the blaze. A committee headed by prominent historian Jorge Basadre was formed by the government to reconstruct both the building and the library collection. With the help of numerous Peruvian and foreign intellectuals, ordinary citizens, private companies, and governments, the reconstruction was possible and the library reopened in November 1947. This paper will assess the significance of this disaster for historical research as well as the degree to which the ambitious plans for the library’s reconstruction were actually accomplished. The paper will summarize the history of the Peruvian National Library before the fire (including the sacking by Chilean troops during the 1881-1883 occupation of Lima), the negligent conditions in which it operated at the time of the disaster, the losses it suffered as a result of the fire, the public debates that it originated, and the efforts to not only reconstruct the old library but to completely redesign it –bringing it up to the highest scientific standards of the time and restructuring it to better serve both researchers and the general public.