The night of January 25th to 26th, 1904, witnessed a catastrophic fire that engulfed the National Library of Turin, leaving an indelible mark on its history. Contemporary newspapers convey the shock and devastation felt throughout the city, with reports describing the heroic but ultimately futile efforts of librarians to save priceless treasures from the flames. Five halls were destroyed, resulting in irreparable damage to centuries-old collections.
An April 18, 1904 report details the extensive harm inflicted upon the library, affecting nine sections denoted by letters from G to U, each representing specific subjects and cataloguing areas. Documents from the Historical Archives of the National Library provide insight into the scale of the disaster and the subsequent recovery efforts. Additionally, the report highlights the vital role played by the generous contributions of both Italian and foreign donors in mitigating the losses suffered by the institution.