Bruges Public Library

The core of the medieval manuscript collection is formed by the 481 books from the abbeys of Ten Duinen and Ter Doest. Since 2015, this monastic collection, together with the Ten Duinen and Ter Doest collection at the Major Seminary, has been recognized by the Flemish Community as a ‘Flemish Masterpiece’. Some notable manuscripts held by the library include the oldest copy of the Rule of the Knights Templar (Ms. 131) and a chronicle containing the oldest dated map of Flanders (Ms. 685).

In addition, the library holds some seventy incunabula, including twenty books produced by the Bruges book dealer and scribe Colard Mansion, and around 23,000 rare printed books, sixty historical newspaper titles, several private collections, and the archive, library and manuscripts of renowned author Guido Gezelle.

The library welcomes an average of 11,000 visitors each week. Thanks to the combined roles of public institution and scholarly heritage institution, the Bruges Public Library specializes in public outreach around heritage tailored to youth, culture enthusiasts, education and researchers, among others.

Bruges Public Library

Kuipersstraat 3
8000 Brugge
https://brugge.bibliotheek.be/
bibliotheek@brugge.be
+32 50 47 24 00

Mmmonk team members

• Katrien Deroo – Project coordinator, digital development and innovation expert
• Dr Evelien Hauwaerts – curator of manuscripts
• Ludo Vandamme – curator of rare books
• Birgit Ampe – scientific collaborator conservation
• July Van Malderen – project collaborator digitization and conservation
• Sofie Veramme – project collaborator IIIF-architecture
• Heidi Keereman – collaborator digitization and image processing
• Katelijne Vercaemer – library coordinator
• Koen Calis – head librarian