[
 {
  "id": "e-01c14mh",
  "year": 1887,
  "lib": "gabinete",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "New headquarters inaugurated by Princess Isabel (10 Sep 1887 per Wikipedia)",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Portuguese_Cabinet_of_Reading",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "Isabel ... together with her husband ... inaugurated it on 10 September 1887.",
  "earliest": 1887,
  "latest": 1887
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0cq834m",
  "year": 2024,
  "lib": "stockholm",
  "kind": "closed",
  "label": "Closed for renovation, reopening early 2028",
  "source": "https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://biblioteket.stockholm.se/",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "Den 20 juni 2024 stängde Stadsbiblioteket för renovering och håller stängt till början av 2028.",
  "earliest": 2024,
  "latest": 2024
 },
 {
  "id": "e-11t2le3",
  "year": 2019,
  "lib": "ottawa",
  "kind": "closed",
  "label": "Closed for Centre Block rehabilitation",
  "source": "https://hillnotes.ca/2026/02/26/the-library-of-parliament-150-years-of-history/",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "In 2019, the Library of Parliament building closed again due to the ongoing rehabilitation of Centre Block.",
  "earliest": 2019,
  "latest": 2019
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1gk003l",
  "year": 1952,
  "lib": "ottawa",
  "kind": "damaged",
  "label": "Fire in dome; closed ~4 years, restored 1952-56",
  "source": "https://hillnotes.ca/2026/02/26/the-library-of-parliament-150-years-of-history/",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "1952: A fire breaks out in the dome of the Library",
  "earliest": 1952,
  "latest": 1952
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0ghy73p",
  "year": 427,
  "lib": "nalanda",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Founded by Kumaragupta I (Gupta)",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nalanda",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "Nalanda was established by emperor Kumaragupta I of the Gupta Empire around 427 CE",
  "earliest": 427,
  "latest": 427
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0xzlxqi",
  "year": 1200,
  "lib": "nalanda",
  "kind": "destroyed",
  "label": "Attacked/burned by Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji c. 1200; site kept operating for decades or centuries after; abandoned c. 1400",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nalanda",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "it was burnt down by Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji (c. 1200), but it managed to remain operational for decades (or possibly even centuries) following his raids",
  "earliest": 1200,
  "latest": 1400
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0ckqvvf",
  "year": 1915,
  "lib": "nalanda",
  "kind": "excavated",
  "label": "ASI systematic excavation 1915-1937 (second phase 1974-1982)",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nalanda",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "Systematic excavation of the ruins by the ASI did not begin until 1915 and ended in 1937.",
  "earliest": 1915,
  "latest": 1937
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0upw42y",
  "year": 1847,
  "lib": "nalanda",
  "kind": "rediscovered",
  "label": "Surveyed by Buchanan-Hamilton 1811-12 without identifying it; identified as Nalanda by Kittoe 1847",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nalanda",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "That link was established by Major Markham Kittoe in 1847.",
  "earliest": 1811,
  "latest": 1847
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1vcsqky",
  "year": 1006,
  "lib": "dunhuang",
  "kind": "sealed",
  "label": "Cave 17 walled up early 11th century; reason debated (Stein: waste repository; Khotan fell to Karakhanids 1006; fear of 'Age of Decline')",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_Cave",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "fall of the Buddhist kingdom of Khotan to Karakhanids invaders from Kashgar in 1006 and the destruction it caused, so they sealed their library",
  "earliest": 1000,
  "latest": 1100
 },
 {
  "id": "e-16sypp7",
  "year": 1900,
  "lib": "dunhuang",
  "kind": "rediscovered",
  "label": "Wang Yuanlu finds the walled-up cave, 25 June 1900",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_Cave",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "on 25 June 1900, Wang followed the drift of smoke from a cigarette, and discovered a walled up area behind one side of a corridor",
  "earliest": 1900,
  "latest": 1900
 },
 {
  "id": "e-076ylb8",
  "year": 1904,
  "lib": "dunhuang",
  "kind": "closed",
  "label": "Wang re-seals cave on governor's order",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_Cave",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "in 1904 Wang re-sealed the cave following an order by the governor of Gansu concerned about the cost of transporting these documents",
  "earliest": 1904,
  "latest": 1904
 },
 {
  "id": "e-08wpul6",
  "year": 1907,
  "lib": "dunhuang",
  "kind": "lost",
  "label": "Dispersed: Stein 1907, Pelliot 1908, Otani 1911, Oldenburg 1914",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_Cave",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "followed by a French expedition under Paul Pelliot who acquired many thousands of items in 1908, and then by a Japanese expedition under Otani Kozui in 1911",
  "earliest": 1907,
  "latest": 1914
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1iomvfo",
  "year": 2013,
  "lib": "timbuktu",
  "kind": "damaged",
  "label": "Manuscripts burned or stolen 2012-2013 (4,203 at Ahmed Baba Institute); attributed to Ansar Dine/jihadists, rest evacuated to Bamako",
  "source": "https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/1228",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "The insurgents burned or stole 4,203 manuscripts held at the Ahmed Baba Institute.",
  "earliest": 2012,
  "latest": 2013
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0wei3du",
  "year": 2025,
  "lib": "timbuktu",
  "kind": "reopened",
  "label": "Evacuated manuscripts begin returning from Bamako (Aug 2025)",
  "source": "https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2025/08/16/2003842158",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "Mali's military junta on Monday began returning manuscripts, citing the threat posed to them by humidity in Bamako.",
  "earliest": 2025,
  "latest": 2025
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1x44su1",
  "year": 1460,
  "lib": "buda",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Matthias starts collecting for Buda library",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibliotheca_Corviniana",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "Matthias, one of the most powerful rulers of the age, started to collect the books from about 1460.",
  "earliest": 1458,
  "latest": 1460
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0w37o3f",
  "year": 1526,
  "lib": "buda",
  "kind": "lost",
  "label": "Books taken to Istanbul after Mohacs (1526); some saved earlier by Viennese humanists",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibliotheca_Corviniana",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "The books were taken to Istanbul after the Hungarian defeat by the Ottomans at the Battle of Mohács in 1526.",
  "earliest": 1526,
  "latest": 1541
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1p5g6oj",
  "year": 1513,
  "lib": "buda",
  "kind": "damaged",
  "label": "Viennese humanists (Gremper, Cuspinianus, Brassicanus) transfer codices from Buda to Vienna",
  "source": "https://oszk.hu/node/7254?mobile=off",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "Johannes Brassicanus played key roles in transferring many valuable codices from Buda to Vienna, saving them from destruction during the Ottoman conquest.",
  "earliest": 1500,
  "latest": 1526
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0e40e45",
  "year": -668,
  "lib": "nineveh",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Ashurbanipal reigns (669/668-c.630 BCE) and collects the library; exact founding of the library not dated",
  "source": "https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/asbp/whatisthelibrary/index.html",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "it was Ashurbanipal who earned a reputation in antiquity as a collector of tablets",
  "earliest": -669,
  "latest": -668
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0jxoq2t",
  "year": -612,
  "lib": "nineveh",
  "kind": "destroyed",
  "label": "Nineveh sacked; tablets burned (and thereby baked and preserved)",
  "source": "https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/asbp/whatisthelibrary/index.html",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "the burning of this clay library at the sack of Nineveh in 612 BC ensured its survival for us today",
  "earliest": -612,
  "latest": -612
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0gjp3p2",
  "year": 1849,
  "lib": "nineveh",
  "kind": "rediscovered",
  "label": "Layard finds tablets in Sennacherib's South-West Palace, late 1849",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Library_of_Ashurbanipal&action=raw",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "the first discovery was made in late 1849 in the so-called South-West Palace, which was the Royal Palace of king Sennacherib",
  "earliest": 1849,
  "latest": 1850
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1x7iep4",
  "year": 1853,
  "lib": "nineveh",
  "kind": "excavated",
  "label": "Rassam finds tablets in Ashurbanipal's North Palace; Layard 1853 publication cited by BM project",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Library_of_Ashurbanipal&action=raw",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "Three years later, Hormuzd Rassam, Layard's assistant, discovered a similar library in the palace of King Ashurbanipal",
  "earliest": 1853,
  "latest": 1853
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1r85eod",
  "year": 1850,
  "lib": "nineveh",
  "kind": "excavated",
  "label": "British Museum excavations at Nineveh, 1850s to 1930s",
  "source": "https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/asbp/index.html",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "excavated by the British Museum between the 1850's and 1930's at the site of the imperial capital, Nineveh",
  "earliest": 1850,
  "latest": 1930
 },
 {
  "id": "e-168l129",
  "year": -285,
  "lib": "alexandria",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Library established, possibly under Ptolemy II (285-246 BCE); groundwork perhaps Ptolemy I",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Library_of_Alexandria&action=raw",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "Possibly during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285–246 BC)",
  "earliest": -285,
  "latest": -246
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0nhxmsw",
  "year": -48,
  "lib": "alexandria",
  "kind": "damaged",
  "label": "Caesar's Alexandrian War fire. Extent disputed; Plutarch says fire destroyed \"the great library\", Gellius says books burned accidentally",
  "source": "https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Lives/Caesar*.html",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "burned during the sack of the city in our first war with Alexandria, not intentionally or by anyone's order, but accidentally by the auxiliary soldiers",
  "earliest": -48,
  "latest": -48
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1367gda",
  "year": -48,
  "lib": "alexandria",
  "kind": "damaged",
  "label": "Gellius: books burned in the war with Alexandria, accidentally, by auxiliaries",
  "source": "https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Gellius/7*.html",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "burned during the sack of the city in our first war with Alexandria, not intentionally or by anyone's order, but accidentally by the auxiliary soldiers",
  "earliest": -48,
  "latest": -48
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0hrqhnj",
  "year": 272,
  "lib": "alexandria",
  "kind": "destroyed",
  "label": "Aurelian's recapture damages the Brucheion quarter; library destroyed only \"if it still existed\"",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Library_of_Alexandria&action=raw",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "Between 270 and 275 AD, Alexandria saw a Palmyrene invasion and an imperial counterattack that probably destroyed whatever remained of the Library",
  "earliest": 270,
  "latest": 275
 },
 {
  "id": "e-09ir1o9",
  "year": 391,
  "lib": "alexandria",
  "kind": "destroyed",
  "label": "Serapeum (daughter library) demolished under Theophilus; whether it held books then is uncertain",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Library_of_Alexandria&action=raw",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "was vandalized and demolished in 391 AD under a decree issued by bishop Theophilus of Alexandria",
  "earliest": 391,
  "latest": 391
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0w2f7ua",
  "year": -197,
  "lib": "pergamon",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Library built under Eumenes II (r. 197-160 BCE); Wikipedia gives 220-159 BCE",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Library_of_Pergamum&action=raw",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "Built by Eumenes II between 220 and 159 BCE",
  "earliest": -220,
  "latest": -159
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1c7s04n",
  "year": 1885,
  "lib": "pergamon",
  "kind": "excavated",
  "label": "Excavations 1885-1890 (German); restored 1950-1985",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Library_of_Pergamum&action=raw",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "excavations       = 1885–1890, restored 1950–1985",
  "earliest": 1885,
  "latest": 1890
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0dta7xz",
  "year": -32,
  "lib": "pergamon",
  "kind": "lost",
  "label": "Plutarch: Antony accused of giving Cleopatra the libraries of Pergamum (200,000 volumes); an accusation, not confirmed fact",
  "source": "https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Lives/Antony*.html",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "he had bestowed upon her the libraries from Pergamum , in which there were two hundred thousand volumes",
  "earliest": -43,
  "latest": -30
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1mtal6f",
  "year": 262,
  "lib": "pergamon",
  "kind": "destroyed",
  "label": "Earthquake then Goths; library \"did not survive\"",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Library_of_Pergamum&action=raw",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "The library did not survive this period of turmoil.",
  "earliest": 262,
  "latest": 262
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1wh8c3n",
  "year": 79,
  "lib": "herculaneum",
  "kind": "sealed",
  "label": "Vesuvius eruption buries villa and library under ~20 m of ash",
  "source": "https://scrollprize.org/",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "Vesuvius erupts, burying a villa and its library of papyrus scrolls under twenty meters of ash.",
  "earliest": 79,
  "latest": 79
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0qr29rl",
  "year": 1750,
  "lib": "herculaneum",
  "kind": "rediscovered",
  "label": "Villa found 1750 by well-diggers; first scrolls 1752",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Villa_of_the_Papyri&action=raw",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "The Villa of the Papyri was discovered in 1750 by farmers when digging a well.",
  "earliest": 1750,
  "latest": 1752
 },
 {
  "id": "e-08q6e0x",
  "year": 1750,
  "lib": "herculaneum",
  "kind": "excavated",
  "label": "Tunnel excavations under Alcubierre and Weber, halted 1765",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Villa_of_the_Papyri&action=raw",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "Excavations were halted in 1765 due to complaints from the residents living above.",
  "earliest": 1750,
  "latest": 1765
 },
 {
  "id": "e-125kvzp",
  "year": 1986,
  "lib": "herculaneum",
  "kind": "rediscovered",
  "label": "Villa relocated through an ancient well",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Villa_of_the_Papyri&action=raw",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "in 1986 the breakthrough was made through an ancient well",
  "earliest": 1986,
  "latest": 1986
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1xa7x4t",
  "year": 1990,
  "lib": "herculaneum",
  "kind": "excavated",
  "label": "1990s dig reveals two lower floors with frescoes in situ",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Villa_of_the_Papyri&action=raw",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "revealed two previously undiscovered lower floors to the villa with frescoes in situ",
  "earliest": 1990,
  "latest": 1999
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1ixwuco",
  "year": 117,
  "lib": "celsus",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Commissioned in the 110s CE by Aquila for his father Celsus; completed c.117-135",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Library_of_Celsus&action=raw",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "The library operated as a public space for the city from its completion around 117–135 until 262 CE",
  "earliest": 110,
  "latest": 135
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0xfnxs3",
  "year": 262,
  "lib": "celsus",
  "kind": "destroyed",
  "label": "Interior burned (earthquake or Gothic attack); facade survived",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Library_of_Celsus&action=raw",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "The interior and contents of the library were destroyed by fire in 262 CE",
  "earliest": 262,
  "latest": 262
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1d4ha2a",
  "year": 1000,
  "lib": "celsus",
  "kind": "damaged",
  "label": "Facade collapsed in an earthquake, 10th or 11th century",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Library_of_Celsus&action=raw",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "an earthquake in the 10th or 11th century left it in ruins as well",
  "earliest": 900,
  "latest": 1100
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0ngdu5y",
  "year": 1903,
  "lib": "celsus",
  "kind": "excavated",
  "label": "Austrian excavation of the facade fragments",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Library_of_Celsus&action=raw",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "fragments that had been excavated by Austrian archaeologists between 1903 and 1904",
  "earliest": 1903,
  "latest": 1904
 },
 {
  "id": "e-01wnmf8",
  "year": 1970,
  "lib": "celsus",
  "kind": "rebuilt",
  "label": "Facade re-erected (anastylosis) led by Volker Michael Strocka",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Library_of_Celsus&action=raw",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "Between 1970 and 1978, a reconstruction campaign was led by the German archaeologist Volker Michael Strocka",
  "earliest": 1970,
  "latest": 1978
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0kq9mzy",
  "year": 1776,
  "lib": "admont",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Library hall completed",
  "source": "https://stiftadmont.at/en/about-the-abbey-library/",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "completed in 1776",
  "earliest": 1776,
  "latest": 1776
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0pkgtpz",
  "year": 1767,
  "lib": "stgallen",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Present building with Baroque Hall replaces 1553 library building",
  "source": "https://stiftsbezirk.ch/en/stiftsbibliothek/history",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "replaced in 1767 by the present structure with the Baroque Hall",
  "earliest": 1767,
  "latest": 1767
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0wmp64q",
  "year": 1744,
  "lib": "wiblingen",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Ceiling fresco by Franz Martin Kuen signed 1744 (hall built 1740-1750)",
  "source": "https://www.kloster-wiblingen.de/erlebnis-kloster-garten/kloster-garten/gebaeude/bibliothekssaal",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "Franc. Martinus Kuen iunior pinx. Ano 1744",
  "earliest": 1744,
  "latest": 1744
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1tig8ns",
  "year": 1766,
  "lib": "weimar",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Library moves into the new Rococo hall of the Green Palace",
  "source": "https://www.klassik-stiftung.de/herzogin-anna-amalia-bibliothek/die-bibliothek/geschichte/",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "1766 zieht die Bibliothek aus dem Residenzschloss in den neu eingerichteten Rokokosaal um.",
  "earliest": 1766,
  "latest": 1766
 },
 {
  "id": "e-18h2vay",
  "year": 2004,
  "lib": "weimar",
  "kind": "damaged",
  "label": "Fire of 2 September 2004; 50,000 books burned, 118,000 damaged",
  "source": "https://www.klassik-stiftung.de/herzogin-anna-amalia-bibliothek/die-bibliothek/nach-dem-brand/",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "Am 2. September 2004, dem Tag des Brandes, waren 196.000 Bücher im Historischen Bibliotheksgebäude untergebracht ... 50.000 Bücher sind verbrannt.",
  "earliest": 2004,
  "latest": 2004
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1lbhc35",
  "year": 2007,
  "lib": "weimar",
  "kind": "reopened",
  "label": "Historic building reopened 24 Oct 2007 after full renovation",
  "source": "https://www.klassik-stiftung.de/herzogin-anna-amalia-bibliothek/die-bibliothek/geschichte/",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "Am 24. Oktober 2007, dem Geburtstag Herzogin Anna Amalias, wird das Historische Gebäude nach einer Grundsanierung wieder eröffnet.",
  "earliest": 2007,
  "latest": 2007
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1d8al2k",
  "year": 1978,
  "lib": "celsus",
  "kind": "rebuilt",
  "label": "Façade reconstructed (anastylosis) by the Austrian Archaeological Institute, 1970-1978",
  "source": "https://www.oeaw.ac.at/en/oeai/events/event-detail/antike-wiederaufgebaut",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "the Celsus Library was reconstructed between 1970 and 1978 using original parts and additional materials",
  "earliest": 1970,
  "latest": 1978
 },
 {
  "id": "e-043vsfl",
  "year": -285,
  "lib": "alexandria",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Proposed by Ptolemy I Soter, built under Ptolemy II Philadelphus (282-246 BCE); no founding document",
  "source": "https://www.worldhistory.org/Library_of_Alexandria/",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "it seems to have been proposed by Ptolemy I Soter (r. 323-282 BCE) ... and built under the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (282-246 BCE)",
  "earliest": -323,
  "latest": -246
 },
 {
  "id": "e-14gnco4",
  "year": -48,
  "lib": "alexandria",
  "kind": "destroyed",
  "label": "Destruction dated variously: Caesar 48 BCE (most popular claim), Aurelian 272 CE, Diocletian 297, 391/415 or the 7th century",
  "source": "https://www.worldhistory.org/Library_of_Alexandria/",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "destroyed by Julius Caesar by fire in 48 BCE. Other claims cite ... Aurelian ... 272 CE, by Diocletian in 297 CE, by Christian zealots in 391 and 415 CE, or by Muslim Arab invaders in the 7th century",
  "earliest": -48,
  "latest": 700
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1jhshxh",
  "year": 1712,
  "lib": "longroom",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Foundation stone May 1712; library finished 1732; in use end of 1733",
  "source": "https://www.tcd.ie/library/exhibitions/choicebooks/newlibrary.php",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "foundation stone of the new Library was laid in May 1712",
  "earliest": 1712,
  "latest": 1732
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1i96f9v",
  "year": 2027,
  "lib": "longroom",
  "kind": "closed",
  "label": "Old Library and Long Room close to public for restoration (Kells moves late 2027); works expected done 2030",
  "source": "https://universitytimes.ie/2026/03/printing-house-restored-to-house-book-of-kells/",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "no public access to the Old Library and Long Room ... expected to be finished by 2030",
  "earliest": 2027,
  "latest": 2027
 },
 {
  "id": "e-08upoiw",
  "year": 1488,
  "lib": "bodleian",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Duke Humfrey's Library begun 1478, opened 1488",
  "source": "https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/plan-your-visit/history-bodleian",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "it was begun in 1478 and finally opened in 1488.",
  "earliest": 1478,
  "latest": 1488
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0w80d5e",
  "year": 1588,
  "lib": "vatican",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Salone Sistino built by Fontana under Sixtus V",
  "source": "https://m.museivaticani.va/content/dam/museivaticani/pdf/eventi_novita/iniziative/eventi/2013/MV_2_Museo_profano_biblioteca_apostolica.pdf",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "Sisto V (1585-1590) ... Domenico Fontana costruì il monumentale Salone",
  "earliest": 1585,
  "latest": 1590
 },
 {
  "id": "e-11xf8t8",
  "year": 2025,
  "lib": "mafra",
  "kind": "closed",
  "label": "Library closed for conservation works from 20 Aug 2025",
  "source": "https://observador.pt/2025/08/21/biblioteca-do-palacio-nacional-de-mafra-encerrada-ate-ao-final-do-ano-para-obras/",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "temporariamente encerrada ao público desde quarta-feira devido a obras de conservação e restauro",
  "earliest": 2025,
  "latest": 2025
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0qjtvmp",
  "year": 1868,
  "lib": "bnf",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Salle Labrouste built",
  "source": "https://www.bnf.fr/fr/le-site-richelieu-un-palais-au-coeur-de-paris",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "réalisée entre 1861 et 1868",
  "earliest": 1861,
  "latest": 1868
 },
 {
  "id": "e-18nkixa",
  "year": 2022,
  "lib": "bnf",
  "kind": "reopened",
  "label": "Richelieu site reopened (Sept 2022)",
  "source": "https://www.bnf.fr/fr/le-site-richelieu-un-palais-au-coeur-de-paris",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "reopening September 2022",
  "earliest": 2022,
  "latest": 2022
 },
 {
  "id": "e-02wnmbd",
  "year": 1974,
  "lib": "alexandrina",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Alexandria University committee selects a site for a new library",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibliotheca_Alexandrina",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "The idea of reviving the Library of Alexandria dates back to 1974",
  "earliest": 1974,
  "latest": 1974
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1b6vyy3",
  "year": 1988,
  "lib": "alexandrina",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "UNESCO design competition won by Snohetta",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibliotheca_Alexandrina",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "UNESCO organized an architectural design competition in 1988",
  "earliest": 1988,
  "latest": 1988
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1tck9n6",
  "year": 1995,
  "lib": "alexandrina",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Construction begins",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibliotheca_Alexandrina",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "Construction work began in 1995",
  "earliest": 1995,
  "latest": 1995
 },
 {
  "id": "e-07gsvok",
  "year": 2002,
  "lib": "alexandrina",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Officially inaugurated 16 October 2002",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibliotheca_Alexandrina",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "the complex was officially inaugurated on 16 October 2002",
  "earliest": 2002,
  "latest": 2002
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1gsbta0",
  "year": 1804,
  "lib": "asiatic",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Literary Society of Bombay first meets (26 Nov 1804)",
  "source": "http://asiaticsociety.org.in/index.php/about-us/history-asiatic",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "it met for the first time on Nov 26, 1804",
  "earliest": 1804,
  "latest": 1804
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1d8nthf",
  "year": 1826,
  "lib": "asiatic",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Merges with the Royal Asiatic Society as its Bombay Branch",
  "source": "http://asiaticsociety.org.in/index.php/about-us/history-asiatic",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "In 1826, the Literary Society merged",
  "earliest": 1826,
  "latest": 1826
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0lmxwiz",
  "year": 1830,
  "lib": "asiatic",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Society moves into the Town Hall building",
  "source": "http://asiaticsociety.org.in/index.php/about-us/history-asiatic",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "In 1830, it moved into the Town Hall Building",
  "earliest": 1830,
  "latest": 1830
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1adgvov",
  "year": 1833,
  "lib": "asiatic",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Town Hall completed (plan began 1811)",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Asiatic_Society_of_Mumbai_Town_Hall",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "Construction was eventually completed in 1833.",
  "earliest": 1811,
  "latest": 1833
 },
 {
  "id": "e-05bq2jx",
  "year": 798,
  "lib": "baghdad",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Founded under Harun al-Rashid (Muslim Heritage); origin disputed",
  "source": "https://muslimheritage.com/house-of-wisdom/",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid founded the House of Wisdom in Baghdad during his reign (786-809)",
  "earliest": 786,
  "latest": 809
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1jrz149",
  "year": 823,
  "lib": "baghdad",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Turned into a public academy and library under al-Mamun",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Wisdom",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "it was turned into a public academy and a library",
  "earliest": 813,
  "latest": 833
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0upv01z",
  "year": 1258,
  "lib": "baghdad",
  "kind": "destroyed",
  "label": "Said to be destroyed in the Mongol siege of Baghdad",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Wisdom",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "It was destroyed in 1258 during the Mongol siege of Baghdad",
  "earliest": 1258,
  "latest": 1258
 },
 {
  "id": "e-19kkyv3",
  "year": 1260,
  "lib": "baghdad",
  "kind": "reopened",
  "label": "Large libraries in Baghdad reopened within two years of the siege",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Baghdad_(1258)",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "large libraries reopened for learning and teaching within two years of the siege",
  "earliest": 1258,
  "latest": 1260
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0srq1q5",
  "year": 2016,
  "lib": "binhai",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "MVRDV announced the library topping out, 22 June 2016",
  "source": "https://mvrdv.com/zh/news/mvrdv-library-in-tianjin-tops-out",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "MVRDV library in Tianjin tops out",
  "earliest": 2016,
  "latest": 2016
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0noalek",
  "year": 2017,
  "lib": "binhai",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Opened October 2017",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianjin_Binhai_Library",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "It opened in October 2017.",
  "earliest": 2017,
  "latest": 2017
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1a9dohx",
  "year": 1368,
  "lib": "bnf",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Royal library founded at the Louvre by Charles V",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioth%C3%A8que_nationale_de_France",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "founded at the Louvre Palace by Charles V in 1368",
  "earliest": 1368,
  "latest": 1368
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1ytdiva",
  "year": 1424,
  "lib": "bnf",
  "kind": "lost",
  "label": "Collection transferred to England",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioth%C3%A8que_nationale_de_France",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "who transferred it to England in 1424",
  "earliest": 1424,
  "latest": 1424
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1ncn46f",
  "year": 1692,
  "lib": "bnf",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Library opens to the public",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioth%C3%A8que_nationale_de_France",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "The library opened to the public in 1692",
  "earliest": 1692,
  "latest": 1692
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1xtyuh6",
  "year": 1741,
  "lib": "bnf",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Cabinet du Roi opened to visitors",
  "source": "https://www.bnf.fr/en/richelieu-site-palace-heart-paris",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "The Cabinet du Roi was opened to visitors in 1741",
  "earliest": 1741,
  "latest": 1741
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0dngmfz",
  "year": 1932,
  "lib": "bnf",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Oval Room completed by Alfred Recoura",
  "source": "https://www.bnf.fr/en/richelieu-site-palace-heart-paris",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "completed in 1932 by Alfred Recoura",
  "earliest": 1897,
  "latest": 1932
 },
 {
  "id": "e-187olj3",
  "year": 2016,
  "lib": "bnf",
  "kind": "closed",
  "label": "Richelieu site closed for works (September)",
  "source": "https://www.bnf.fr/en/richelieu-site-palace-heart-paris",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "It closed for works in September 2016",
  "earliest": 2016,
  "latest": 2016
 },
 {
  "id": "e-16co9m5",
  "year": 1890,
  "lib": "connemara",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Foundation laid by Lord Connemara, 22 March 1890",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connemara_Public_Library",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "Lord Connemara , to lay the foundation on 22 March 1890.",
  "earliest": 1890,
  "latest": 1890
 },
 {
  "id": "e-19mqpsh",
  "year": 1896,
  "lib": "connemara",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Formally opened (5 Dec 1896)",
  "source": "https://www.thehindu.com/society/this-world-book-day-walk-the-alleys-of-centuries-old-connemara-public-library/article23645555.ece",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "formally opened on December 5, 1896",
  "earliest": 1896,
  "latest": 1896
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0rvmie1",
  "year": 1948,
  "lib": "connemara",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Becomes the state central library",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connemara_Public_Library",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "It became the state central library in 1948",
  "earliest": 1948,
  "latest": 1948
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1kxkzen",
  "year": 1973,
  "lib": "connemara",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "New building added to the library",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connemara_Public_Library",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "The new building, which was added to the library in 1973",
  "earliest": 1973,
  "latest": 1973
 },
 {
  "id": "e-166sjin",
  "year": 2004,
  "lib": "connemara",
  "kind": "rebuilt",
  "label": "Old reading room restored, 2004-7",
  "source": "http://www.madrasmusings.com/Vol%2020%20No%203/museum-library-and-theatre.html",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "that has been restored in 2004-7",
  "earliest": 2004,
  "latest": 2007
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1ulql9a",
  "year": 802,
  "lib": "haeinsa",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Temple first built, 802",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haeinsa",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "The temple was first built in 802.",
  "earliest": 802,
  "latest": 802
 },
 {
  "id": "e-10yekx9",
  "year": 1248,
  "lib": "haeinsa",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks engraved 1237 to 1248",
  "source": "https://web.archive.org/web/2024/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/737/",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "engraved on approximately 80,000 woodblocks between 1237 and 1248",
  "earliest": 1237,
  "latest": 1248
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1hv0rkp",
  "year": 1457,
  "lib": "haeinsa",
  "kind": "rebuilt",
  "label": "Sejo expanded and renovated the storage hall, 1457",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haeinsa",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "it is believed that Sejo of Joseon expanded and renovated it in 1457",
  "earliest": 1457,
  "latest": 1457
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0011mlc",
  "year": 1490,
  "lib": "haeinsa",
  "kind": "rebuilt",
  "label": "Building completed 1490 (New World Encyclopedia)",
  "source": "https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Haeinsa",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "completing the building in 1490",
  "earliest": 1488,
  "latest": 1490
 },
 {
  "id": "e-180ohec",
  "year": 1817,
  "lib": "haeinsa",
  "kind": "destroyed",
  "label": "Temple burned in a fire (English Wikipedia); the storage halls were spared",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haeinsa",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "Haeinsa was burned down in a fire in 1817 and was rebuilt in 1818.",
  "earliest": 1817,
  "latest": 1817
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0fg1cy7",
  "year": 1818,
  "lib": "haeinsa",
  "kind": "rebuilt",
  "label": "Temple rebuilt, 1818",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haeinsa",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "Haeinsa was burned down in a fire in 1817 and was rebuilt in 1818.",
  "earliest": 1818,
  "latest": 1818
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1s4p6ga",
  "year": 1055,
  "lib": "hereford",
  "kind": "damaged",
  "label": "1055 fire: the Hereford Gospels the only book to survive",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hereford_Cathedral_Library",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "was the only book to survive the 1055 fire",
  "earliest": 1055,
  "latest": 1055
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1sb8v43",
  "year": 1611,
  "lib": "hereford",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Chained Library established by Thomas Thornton",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hereford_Cathedral_Library",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "in 1611 the Chained Library",
  "earliest": 1611,
  "latest": 1611
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0qj0g19",
  "year": 1996,
  "lib": "hereford",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "New library building by Sir William Whitfield opened by the Queen",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hereford_Cathedral_Library",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "opened on 3 May 1996 by the Queen",
  "earliest": 1996,
  "latest": 1996
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0racq3y",
  "year": 1717,
  "lib": "joanina",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Construction begun under King John V",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioteca_Joanina",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "who began construction on the library in 1717",
  "earliest": 1717,
  "latest": 1717
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1gyqg2v",
  "year": 1728,
  "lib": "joanina",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Construction completed",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioteca_Joanina",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "its construction completed between 1717 and 1728",
  "earliest": 1717,
  "latest": 1728
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1tayley",
  "year": 1750,
  "lib": "joanina",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Library receives its first books",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioteca_Joanina",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "received its first books in 1750",
  "earliest": 1750,
  "latest": 1750
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0zbu6f1",
  "year": 1891,
  "lib": "khudabakhsh",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Opened to the public (October 1891)",
  "source": "https://culture.gov.in/khuda-baksh-oriental-public-library-patna",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "it was opened for public in October, 1891",
  "earliest": 1891,
  "latest": 1891
 },
 {
  "id": "e-08gho7n",
  "year": 1905,
  "lib": "khudabakhsh",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Curzon Reading Room built (Lord Curzon visited 1903)",
  "source": "https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/12/anger-over-plan-to-raze-part-of-iconic-indian-library-for-flyover",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "Curzon Reading Room – built in 1905",
  "earliest": 1903,
  "latest": 1905
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1wxt23n",
  "year": 1969,
  "lib": "khudabakhsh",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Made an Institution of National Importance by Act of Parliament",
  "source": "https://culture.gov.in/khuda-baksh-oriental-public-library-patna",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "Institution of National Importance by an act of Parliament in 1969.",
  "earliest": 1969,
  "latest": 1969
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1j0j8sq",
  "year": 1447,
  "lib": "malatestiana",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Building probably started",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioteca_Malatestiana",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "Building probably started in 1447",
  "earliest": 1447,
  "latest": 1447
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0qiuf12",
  "year": 1452,
  "lib": "malatestiana",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Building completed",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioteca_Malatestiana",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "was completed in 1452",
  "earliest": 1452,
  "latest": 1452
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0lk5y9s",
  "year": 1454,
  "lib": "malatestiana",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Library opens (15 August 1454)",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioteca_Malatestiana",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "Opened 15 August 1454",
  "earliest": 1454,
  "latest": 1454
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0ryxy8c",
  "year": 1797,
  "lib": "malatestiana",
  "kind": "closed",
  "label": "Building requisitioned as a barracks",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioteca_Malatestiana",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "the building requisitioned as a barracks",
  "earliest": 1797,
  "latest": 1798
 },
 {
  "id": "e-128eo31",
  "year": 1807,
  "lib": "malatestiana",
  "kind": "reopened",
  "label": "Library restored to its original state",
  "source": "https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioteca_Malatestiana",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "nel 1807 la Biblioteca Malatestiana fu ristabilita nel suo stato originale",
  "earliest": 1807,
  "latest": 1807
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0l4gfnj",
  "year": 1931,
  "lib": "mcmillan",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Opened 5 June 1931 by Governor Sir Joseph Byrne",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McMillan_Memorial_Library,_Nairobi",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "officially opened on 5 June 1931 by Sir Joseph A. Byrne",
  "earliest": 1931,
  "latest": 1931
 },
 {
  "id": "e-02cca6i",
  "year": 1962,
  "lib": "mcmillan",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Opened to the general public (1962 per Wikipedia; Book Bunk says restrictions ended 1958)",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McMillan_Memorial_Library,_Nairobi",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "opened to the general public in 1962",
  "earliest": 1958,
  "latest": 1962
 },
 {
  "id": "e-17suaa5",
  "year": 2026,
  "lib": "mcmillan",
  "kind": "closed",
  "label": "Closed to the public for restoration, June 2026",
  "source": "https://standardmedia.co.ke/health/amp/arts-culture/article/2001551272/mcmillan-nairobis-oldest-library-shuts-doors-as-renovation-begins",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "has officially closed its doors to the public",
  "earliest": 2026,
  "latest": 2026
 },
 {
  "id": "e-09tbexw",
  "year": 1906,
  "lib": "morgan",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Main building erected",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgan_Library_%26_Museum",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "between 1902 and 1906",
  "earliest": 1902,
  "latest": 1906
 },
 {
  "id": "e-050hewi",
  "year": 1924,
  "lib": "morgan",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Incorporated as a public institution",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgan_Library_%26_Museum",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "was incorporated as a public institution in March 1924",
  "earliest": 1924,
  "latest": 1924
 },
 {
  "id": "e-17aul28",
  "year": 1928,
  "lib": "morgan",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Annex completed",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgan_Library_%26_Museum",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "The annex was completed in 1928",
  "earliest": 1928,
  "latest": 1928
 },
 {
  "id": "e-17tvip3",
  "year": 1975,
  "lib": "morgan",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Five-story addition with storage vaults",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgan_Library_%26_Museum",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "constructed a five-story addition with storage vaults and offices in 1975",
  "earliest": 1975,
  "latest": 1975
 },
 {
  "id": "e-10ey3hj",
  "year": 2006,
  "lib": "morgan",
  "kind": "reopened",
  "label": "Library reopened after expansion (29 April)",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgan_Library_%26_Museum",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "The library reopened on April 29, 2006",
  "earliest": 2006,
  "latest": 2006
 },
 {
  "id": "e-07lix5x",
  "year": 1836,
  "lib": "nli",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Calcutta Public Library opened (21 March 1836)",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Library_of_India",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "The Calcutta Public Library was opened on 21 March 1836",
  "earliest": 1836,
  "latest": 1836
 },
 {
  "id": "e-02setde",
  "year": 1891,
  "lib": "nli",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Imperial Library founded from Secretariat libraries",
  "source": "https://www.nationallibrary.gov.in/home/history",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "The Imperial Library was founded in 1891 by combining",
  "earliest": 1891,
  "latest": 1891
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0m82ioz",
  "year": 1903,
  "lib": "nli",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Imperial Library opened to the public at Metcalf Hall (30 Jan 1903)",
  "source": "https://www.nationallibrary.gov.in/home/history",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "formally opened to the public on 30 January 1903 at Metcalf Hall, Kolkata",
  "earliest": 1903,
  "latest": 1903
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0fno6yp",
  "year": 1953,
  "lib": "nli",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "National Library opened to the public at Belvedere Estate (1 Feb 1953)",
  "source": "https://www.nationallibrary.gov.in/home/history",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "On 1 February 1953, the National Library was opened to the public",
  "earliest": 1953,
  "latest": 1953
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0a33vfy",
  "year": 1859,
  "lib": "ottawa",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "International design competition launched",
  "source": "https://hillnotes.ca/2026/02/26/the-library-of-parliament-150-years-of-history/",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "In 1859, the Legislative Assembly launched an international design competition",
  "earliest": 1859,
  "latest": 1859
 },
 {
  "id": "e-19qcfzi",
  "year": 1871,
  "lib": "ottawa",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Library of Parliament Act",
  "source": "https://hillnotes.ca/2026/02/26/the-library-of-parliament-150-years-of-history/",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "1871: The Library of Parliament Act formally establishes the institution",
  "earliest": 1871,
  "latest": 1871
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1t9g0b9",
  "year": 1876,
  "lib": "ottawa",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Library opened (28 February)",
  "source": "https://hillnotes.ca/2026/02/26/the-library-of-parliament-150-years-of-history/",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "opened on 28 February 1876",
  "earliest": 1876,
  "latest": 1876
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1ugsbpr",
  "year": 1916,
  "lib": "ottawa",
  "kind": "damaged",
  "label": "Fire destroys the Centre Block; Library only part left standing",
  "source": "https://hillnotes.ca/2026/02/26/the-library-of-parliament-150-years-of-history/",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "1916: A fire destroys the original Centre Block, and the Library is the only part of the building left standing",
  "earliest": 1916,
  "latest": 1916
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1jf3ep8",
  "year": 1956,
  "lib": "ottawa",
  "kind": "rebuilt",
  "label": "Significant restoration",
  "source": "https://hillnotes.ca/2026/02/26/the-library-of-parliament-150-years-of-history/",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "1952–1956: The Library undergoes significant restoration",
  "earliest": 1952,
  "latest": 1956
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0nwwcr1",
  "year": 2006,
  "lib": "ottawa",
  "kind": "reopened",
  "label": "Tours resume after major renovation (5 June 2006)",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_Parliament",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "tours of the library resuming on 5 June 2006",
  "earliest": 2002,
  "latest": 2006
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1n5ayur",
  "year": 1646,
  "lib": "palafoxiana",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Palafox donates his library",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioteca_Palafoxiana",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "On 6 September 1646, Palafox y Mendoza donated 5,000",
  "earliest": 1646,
  "latest": 1646
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1ghvomm",
  "year": 1773,
  "lib": "palafoxiana",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Library premises finished",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioteca_Palafoxiana",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "The library was finished in 1773",
  "earliest": 1773,
  "latest": 1773
 },
 {
  "id": "e-00zy7pq",
  "year": 1999,
  "lib": "palafoxiana",
  "kind": "damaged",
  "label": "Two earthquakes damage building and shelves",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioteca_Palafoxiana",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "Two earthquakes in 1999 caused damage to the building and shelves",
  "earliest": 1999,
  "latest": 1999
 },
 {
  "id": "e-16z5abi",
  "year": 2005,
  "lib": "palafoxiana",
  "kind": "reopened",
  "label": "Doors reopened in April 2005 after restoration",
  "source": "https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioteca_Palafoxiana",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "se reabrieran las puertas de la centenaria biblioteca en abril de 2005",
  "earliest": 2005,
  "latest": 2005
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1o90whl",
  "year": 1857,
  "lib": "peabody",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Peabody Institute founded with $300,000 gift",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Peabody_Library",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "for the Peabody Institute",
  "earliest": 1857,
  "latest": 1857
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1x5nk5r",
  "year": 1878,
  "lib": "peabody",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Library building opened",
  "source": "https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://www.library.jhu.edu/library-hours/george-peabody-library/",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "The library building opened in 1878",
  "earliest": 1878,
  "latest": 1878
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0rdpvoe",
  "year": 2004,
  "lib": "peabody",
  "kind": "rebuilt",
  "label": "Renovation and refurbishment, $1 million",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Peabody_Library",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "$1 million renovation and refurbishment between July 2002 and May 2004",
  "earliest": 2002,
  "latest": 2004
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1b1g7n5",
  "year": 1847,
  "lib": "sassoon",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Mechanics Institution started by European employees of the Mint and Dockyard",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Sassoon_Library",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "In 1847, European employees working in the Government Mint and the Dockyard in Mumbai started the Mechanics' Institution",
  "earliest": 1847,
  "latest": 1847
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1d1luvy",
  "year": 1867,
  "lib": "sassoon",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Construction of the present building, 1867-1870",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Sassoon_Library",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "built in the architectural style of Victorian Neogothic during the period from 1867 to 1870",
  "earliest": 1867,
  "latest": 1870
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1rpfd9r",
  "year": 1870,
  "lib": "sassoon",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Building completed",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Sassoon_Library",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "The building, completed in 1870, is built using yellow Malad stone",
  "earliest": 1870,
  "latest": 1870
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0dm4pbm",
  "year": 2023,
  "lib": "sassoon",
  "kind": "reopened",
  "label": "Reopened after a 16-month restoration (3 June 2023)",
  "source": "https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/david-sassoon-library-opens-public-restoration-pics-inside-8643703/",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "opened to visitors on Saturday after restoration work was completed in a period of 16 months",
  "earliest": 2022,
  "latest": 2023
 },
 {
  "id": "e-15qkq2e",
  "year": 1854,
  "lib": "slv",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Foundation stone laid, 3 July 1854",
  "source": "https://guides.slv.vic.gov.au/slvhistory/timelines",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "1854 July 3 Foundation stone laid",
  "earliest": 1854,
  "latest": 1854
 },
 {
  "id": "e-11f7nbf",
  "year": 1856,
  "lib": "slv",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Melbourne Public Library opened, 11 February 1856",
  "source": "https://guides.slv.vic.gov.au/slvhistory/timelines",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "1856 February 11 Melbourne Public Library opened",
  "earliest": 1856,
  "latest": 1856
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1lxyo0x",
  "year": 1913,
  "lib": "slv",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Domed Reading Room opened, 14 November 1913",
  "source": "https://guides.slv.vic.gov.au/slvhistory/timelines",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "1913 November 14 Domed Reading Room opened",
  "earliest": 1913,
  "latest": 1913
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1tb8jqv",
  "year": 1965,
  "lib": "slv",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "La Trobe Library opened, 6 September 1965",
  "source": "https://guides.slv.vic.gov.au/slvhistory/timelines",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "1965 September 6 La Trobe Library opened",
  "earliest": 1965,
  "latest": 1965
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0coevn9",
  "year": 1999,
  "lib": "slv",
  "kind": "closed",
  "label": "Domed Reading Room closed for refurbishing",
  "source": "https://guides.slv.vic.gov.au/slvhistory/timelines",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "1999 Domed Reading Room closed for refurbishing",
  "earliest": 1999,
  "latest": 1999
 },
 {
  "id": "e-19tbvec",
  "year": 2003,
  "lib": "slv",
  "kind": "reopened",
  "label": "Domed Reading Room reopened as La Trobe Reading Room, 8 July 2003",
  "source": "https://guides.slv.vic.gov.au/slvhistory/timelines",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "2003 July 8 Domed Reading Room reopened as La Trobe Reading Room",
  "earliest": 2003,
  "latest": 2003
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0tme5sx",
  "year": 831,
  "lib": "stegen",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "First record: donation of three texts to the Abbey",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioth%C3%A8que_Sainte-Genevi%C3%A8ve",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "dates from 831, and mentions the donation of three texts to the Abbey",
  "earliest": 831,
  "latest": 831
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1a6pgmm",
  "year": 1624,
  "lib": "stegen",
  "kind": "reopened",
  "label": "Library re-instituted by Cardinal de La Rochefoucauld",
  "source": "https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioth%C3%A8que_Sainte-Genevi%C3%A8ve",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "qui réinstitue véritablement la bibliothèque en 1624",
  "earliest": 1619,
  "latest": 1624
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1d44qbp",
  "year": 1850,
  "lib": "stegen",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Labrouste building finished",
  "source": "https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioth%C3%A8que_Sainte-Genevi%C3%A8ve",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "terminé en 1850",
  "earliest": 1843,
  "latest": 1850
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1ptj8v1",
  "year": 1851,
  "lib": "stegen",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Labrouste building inaugurated (5 Feb per French Wikipedia)",
  "source": "https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioth%C3%A8que_Sainte-Genevi%C3%A8ve",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "inauguré le 5 février 1851",
  "earliest": 1851,
  "latest": 1851
 },
 {
  "id": "e-042xa5e",
  "year": 1535,
  "lib": "thanjavur",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Royal Palace Library conceived under the Nayak kings (1535-1675)",
  "source": "https://web.archive.org/web/20110226233412fw_/http://www.sarasvatimahallibrary.tn.nic.in/library/Library_History/body_library_history.html",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "Conceived and christened as the Royal Palace Library by the Nayak Kings of Thanjavur (1535-1675 AD).",
  "earliest": 1535,
  "latest": 1675
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1kyap0t",
  "year": 1918,
  "lib": "thanjavur",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Made a public library (G.O. Ms. No.1306, 5 Oct 1918)",
  "source": "https://web.archive.org/web/20110226233412fw_/http://www.sarasvatimahallibrary.tn.nic.in/library/Library_History/body_library_history.html",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "In 1918 this Library was made as a public Library.",
  "earliest": 1918,
  "latest": 1918
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0g0y5rk",
  "year": 1986,
  "lib": "thanjavur",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Registered society to administer the library constituted 9 July 1986",
  "source": "https://web.archive.org/web/20110226233412fw_/http://www.sarasvatimahallibrary.tn.nic.in/library/Library_History/body_library_history.html",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "The Society was constituted and got registered on 9-7-1986",
  "earliest": 1986,
  "latest": 1986
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0tao9ua",
  "year": 1561,
  "lib": "tianyige",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Built under Fan Qin, from 1561",
  "source": "https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/天一阁",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "天一阁于明代嘉靖四十年（1561年），由當時的兵部右侍郎 范欽 主持建造。",
  "earliest": 1561,
  "latest": 1566
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0diwr55",
  "year": 1841,
  "lib": "tianyige",
  "kind": "damaged",
  "label": "British occupiers looted geographical works after the fall of Ningbo, 1841",
  "source": "https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/天一阁",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "英国占领军掠夺《 大明一统志 》等舆地书数十种",
  "earliest": 1841,
  "latest": 1841
 },
 {
  "id": "e-06nxcjl",
  "year": 1861,
  "lib": "tianyige",
  "kind": "damaged",
  "label": "Thieves sold books after the Taiping took Ningbo, 1861",
  "source": "https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/天一阁",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "盗贼乘乱盗取天一阁藏书出售",
  "earliest": 1861,
  "latest": 1861
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0pxsaos",
  "year": 1914,
  "lib": "tianyige",
  "kind": "damaged",
  "label": "Burglar Xue Jiwei stole books, 1914",
  "source": "https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/天一阁",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "大盗薛继渭潜入天一阁",
  "earliest": 1914,
  "latest": 1914
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0fmfb5t",
  "year": 1933,
  "lib": "tianyige",
  "kind": "damaged",
  "label": "Typhoon damaged the pavilion, 18 September 1933",
  "source": "https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/天一阁",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "1933年9月18日， 台风 造成天一阁毁坏。",
  "earliest": 1933,
  "latest": 1933
 },
 {
  "id": "e-15dm4bo",
  "year": 1946,
  "lib": "tianyige",
  "kind": "reopened",
  "label": "Evacuated books returned to the pavilion, 16 December 1946",
  "source": "https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/天一阁",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "直到1946年12月16日，天一阁藏书方才运回阁中",
  "earliest": 1946,
  "latest": 1946
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1obb73p",
  "year": 1994,
  "lib": "tianyige",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "Ningbo Tianyige Museum founded, November 1994",
  "source": "https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/天一阁博物院",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "成立于1994年11月",
  "earliest": 1994,
  "latest": 1994
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0hcargw",
  "year": 2006,
  "lib": "vasconcelos",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Inaugurated by President Vicente Fox, 16 May 2006",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasconcelos_Library",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "Then-President of Mexico Vicente Fox inaugurated the library on 16 May 2006",
  "earliest": 2006,
  "latest": 2006
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1l5ggg7",
  "year": 2006,
  "lib": "vasconcelos",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Public service began, 1 June 2006 (Spanish Wikipedia)",
  "source": "https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioteca_Vasconcelos",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "el servicio al público comenzó el 1 de junio de ese mismo año",
  "earliest": 2006,
  "latest": 2006
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0fqxmcv",
  "year": 2007,
  "lib": "vasconcelos",
  "kind": "closed",
  "label": "Closed in March 2007 over construction defects",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasconcelos_Library",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "The library had to close in March 2007 due to construction defects.",
  "earliest": 2007,
  "latest": 2007
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1hij04r",
  "year": 2008,
  "lib": "vasconcelos",
  "kind": "reopened",
  "label": "Reopened to the public in November 2008 after 22 months",
  "source": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasconcelos_Library",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "It was reopened to the public in November 2008 after 22 months.",
  "earliest": 2008,
  "latest": 2008
 },
 {
  "id": "e-03macr8",
  "year": 2016,
  "lib": "vasconcelos",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "Seventh level opened, May 2016",
  "source": "https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblioteca_Vasconcelos",
  "tier": "wikipedia",
  "quote": "en mayo del 2016 se abrió el séptimo nivel",
  "earliest": 2016,
  "latest": 2016
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1c9mts3",
  "year": 1939,
  "lib": "admont",
  "kind": "closed",
  "label": "The Nazi regime confiscates the abbey's assets and the monks are forced to leave.",
  "source": "https://stiftadmont.at/en/timeline-2/",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "The Nazi regime confiscates all the assets of Admont Abbey; the monks are forced to leave the monastery.",
  "earliest": 1939,
  "latest": 1939
 },
 {
  "id": "e-11zo8uz",
  "year": 1865,
  "lib": "admont",
  "kind": "damaged",
  "label": "A fire destroys large parts of the abbey but spares the library.",
  "source": "https://stiftadmont.at/en/timeline-2/",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "In 1865, a major fire destroyed large parts of the monastery, with the exception of the library.",
  "earliest": 1865,
  "latest": 1865
 },
 {
  "id": "e-13rpdom",
  "year": 1945,
  "lib": "admont",
  "kind": "reopened",
  "label": "The monks are allowed to return to the abbey on 17 October.",
  "source": "https://stiftadmont.at/en/timeline-2/",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "the monks are allowed to return back to the monastery on 17 October",
  "earliest": 1945,
  "latest": 1945
 },
 {
  "id": "e-03j0cil",
  "year": 1872,
  "lib": "ashikaga",
  "kind": "closed",
  "label": "The Ashikaga School was abolished in 1872.",
  "source": "https://www.city.ashikaga.tochigi.jp/industory/000061/000329/p002576.html",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "In 1872, the traditional Ashikaga School was, unfortunately, abolished",
  "earliest": 1872,
  "latest": 1872
 },
 {
  "id": "e-053k7rl",
  "year": 1990,
  "lib": "ashikaga",
  "kind": "reopened",
  "label": "The Ashikaga School was restored in December 1990.",
  "source": "https://www.city.ashikaga.tochigi.jp/industory/000061/000329/p002576.html",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "December 1990, the Ashikaga School , at last , was restored",
  "earliest": 1990,
  "latest": 1990
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0c26i0f",
  "year": 1882,
  "lib": "asiatic",
  "kind": "excavated",
  "label": "Bhagvanlal Indraji excavated the Buddhist stupa at Nala Sopara in 1882.",
  "source": "https://asiaticsociety.org.in/index.php/holdings/sopara-relics",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "In 1882, Pt. Bhagvanlal Indraji, renowned archaeologist, numismatist, epigraphist and Honorary Fellow of the Society, excavated a Buddhist stupa at Nala Sopara",
  "earliest": 1882,
  "latest": 1882
 },
 {
  "id": "e-10cu9lg",
  "year": 1059,
  "lib": "baghdad",
  "kind": "destroyed",
  "label": "The Seljuks burnt the House of Knowledge in Baghdad, with holdings put at 10,000 volumes.",
  "source": "https://muslimheritage.com/fate-of-manuscripts-iraq-elsewhere/",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "destroying or dispersing its entire holdings estimated at 10,000 volumes",
  "earliest": 1059,
  "latest": 1059
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1441fak",
  "year": 1868,
  "lib": "bnf",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "The Labrouste reading room opens to readers in June.",
  "source": "https://www.bnf.fr/en/story-renaissance",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "When it opened in June 1868, the room offered readers all modern comforts. For the first time, they had access to a heated room, with pipes passing below each table, heating their feet",
  "earliest": 1868,
  "latest": 1868
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1kl2nx5",
  "year": 1550,
  "lib": "bodleian",
  "kind": "lost",
  "label": "Duke Humfrey's Library is emptied of its books on the order of the Dean of Christ Church, and some are burnt.",
  "source": "https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/plan-your-visit/history-bodleian",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "in 1550, the Dean of Christ Church, hoping to purge the English church of all traces of Catholicism",
  "earliest": 1550,
  "latest": 1550
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0ocn8jj",
  "year": 1671,
  "lib": "escorial",
  "kind": "damaged",
  "label": "Fire on 7 June ravages much of the building and destroys over 5,000 codices.",
  "source": "https://rbme.patrimonionacional.es/s/rbme/page/historia",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "aunque se salvó el Salón Principal, por diversas circunstancias perecieron un número superior a los 5.000 códices",
  "earliest": 1671,
  "latest": 1671
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0yot08g",
  "year": 1232,
  "lib": "haeinsa",
  "kind": "destroyed",
  "label": "Mongol invaders burned the first set of Tripitaka printing blocks in 1232.",
  "source": "https://english.khs.go.kr/cop/bbs/selectBoardArticle.do?ctgryLrcls=CTGRY209&nttId=57967&bbsId=BBSMSTR_1205&uniq=0&mn=EN_03_01",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "the Mongol invaders burned the printing blocks in 1232",
  "earliest": 1232,
  "latest": 1232
 },
 {
  "id": "e-14ikh4k",
  "year": 1905,
  "lib": "khudabakhsh",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "The Curzon Reading Room was built in 1905, after Lord Curzon visited in 1903 and gave funds to expand the library.",
  "source": "https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/12/anger-over-plan-to-raze-part-of-iconic-indian-library-for-flyover",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "built in 1905 and named after the British viceroy to India, Lord Curzon, who visited the institution in 1903 and gave it funds to expand",
  "earliest": 1905,
  "latest": 1905
 },
 {
  "id": "e-014yasj",
  "year": 1556,
  "lib": "klementinum",
  "kind": "founded",
  "label": "The Jesuits founded the Clementinum.",
  "source": "https://prague.eu/en/objevujte/the-clementinum-astronomical-tower-and-baroque-library/",
  "tier": "secondary",
  "quote": "The Jesuits founded Clementinum in 1556",
  "earliest": 1556,
  "latest": 1556
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1z0ygr6",
  "year": 1814,
  "lib": "loc",
  "kind": "destroyed",
  "label": "The British burned Washington and destroyed the small congressional library in the Capitol.",
  "source": "https://www.loc.gov/about/history-of-the-library/",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "In 1814, the British burned Washington",
  "earliest": 1814,
  "latest": 1814
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1z09ccz",
  "year": 1297,
  "lib": "melk",
  "kind": "damaged",
  "label": "A terrible fire hits the abbey; the annals and the Melk Song of the Virgin Mary survive.",
  "source": "https://www.stiftmelk.at/en/monastery-order/history/",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "The annals of the monastery and the Melk Song of the Virgin Mary survived the terrible fire of 1297",
  "earliest": 1297,
  "latest": 1297
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0njct0n",
  "year": 1738,
  "lib": "melk",
  "kind": "damaged",
  "label": "A fire destroys parts of the monastery and the church towers during the Baroque rebuilding.",
  "source": "https://www.stiftmelk.at/en/monastery-order/history/",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "In 1738 a fire broke out which destroyed parts of the monastery and the church towers.",
  "earliest": 1738,
  "latest": 1738
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0zm0rp1",
  "year": 1916,
  "lib": "ottawa",
  "kind": "damaged",
  "label": "A fire started in the House of Commons reading room in 1916.",
  "source": "https://hillnotes.ca/2026/02/26/the-library-of-parliament-150-years-of-history/",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "a fire started in the House of Commons reading room",
  "earliest": 1916,
  "latest": 1916
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0kixp7w",
  "year": 1553,
  "lib": "stgallen",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "A building is put up in the west wing of the abbey specially for the library.",
  "source": "https://stiftsbezirk.ch/en/stiftsbibliothek/history",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "In 1553 a building was constructed especially for the library in the west wing of the abbey",
  "earliest": 1553,
  "latest": 1553
 },
 {
  "id": "e-09r4lda",
  "year": 1911,
  "lib": "stockholm",
  "kind": "opened",
  "label": "The first children's library in the Nordic countries opens on Drottninggatan 65.",
  "source": "https://biblioteket.stockholm.se/historik-ar-for-ar",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "Nordens första barn- och ungdomsbibliotek öppnar på Drottninggatan 65",
  "earliest": 1911,
  "latest": 1911
 },
 {
  "id": "e-16c6nqj",
  "year": 1943,
  "lib": "vatican",
  "kind": "closed",
  "label": "The library closes for about a year during the Second World War.",
  "source": "https://www.vaticanlibrary.va/en/the-library/history-of-BAV.html",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "remained closed for about one academic year (13th July 1943-2nd October 1944)",
  "earliest": 1943,
  "latest": 1944
 },
 {
  "id": "e-1ohjxh7",
  "year": 1798,
  "lib": "vatican",
  "kind": "lost",
  "label": "French occupation of Rome strips the library of nearly all its numismatic collection.",
  "source": "https://www.vaticanlibrary.va/en/the-library/history-of-BAV.html",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "led to considerable losses, including that of nearly all the numismatic collection which had been gathered up until then",
  "earliest": 1798,
  "latest": 1809
 },
 {
  "id": "e-0nfv989",
  "year": 1972,
  "lib": "vikramashila",
  "kind": "excavated",
  "label": "Patna University dug the site in 1960-69 and the Archaeological Survey of India in 1972-82.",
  "source": "https://web.archive.org/web/2016/http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_tktd_bihar_vikramshila.asp",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "conducted initially by Patna University (1960-69) and subsequently by Archaeological Survey of India (1972-82)",
  "earliest": 1960,
  "latest": 1982
 },
 {
  "id": "e-18i7v1v",
  "year": 1825,
  "lib": "weimar",
  "kind": "built",
  "label": "Duke Carl August has a medieval gun tower of the town wall converted into the Book Tower.",
  "source": "https://www.klassik-stiftung.de/herzogin-anna-amalia-bibliothek/besuch/buecherturm/",
  "tier": "primary",
  "quote": "Zwischen 1821 und 1825 ließ Herzog Carl August den mittelalterlichen Geschützturm der ehemaligen Stadtbefestigung zum Bücherturm ausbauen",
  "earliest": 1821,
  "latest": 1825
 }
]