Preserving the heritage of the École normale supérieure is one of the core missions of the Fondation de l’ENS. Thanks to the continued support of our donors, the Ulm–Jourdan libraries carry out essential work each year: restoring rare and valuable books that form a unique intellectual legacy.
In 2025, 18 books—most dating from the 18th and 19th centuries—were restored. These interventions, carried out by accredited conservators, ensure the long-term preservation of fragile volumes that bear witness to the School’s long history and the richness of its collections.
Volumes restored in 2025
- Lycée ou Cours de littérature ancienne et moderne, by J. F. Laharpe (1799–1805). Reference: L H cr 80 (1–4 and 6–16) 8° (15 volumes)
- Eschenburg, Johann Joachim, Manuel de littérature classique ancienne, vols. 1 and 2, 1802, 2 volumes. Reference: LH a 5 (1–2) 8°
- Madvig, Johan Nikolai, Io. Nicolai Madvigii, professoris Hauniensis, Opuscula academica altera / ab ipso collecta, emendata, aucta, 1842. Reference: LP cv 35 8°
The restoration of these books is made possible solely through donations. Support for the library helps preserve historical collections while maintaining the quality and accessibility of resources available to students and researchers at the School.
Today, the Ulm Library extends over more than 20 linear kilometers of open-access collections, spread across six additional reading rooms—an active center of knowledge whose preservation requires sustained commitment.
“Preserving the ENS heritage means contributing to the continued excellence and international standing of the School.”
Frédéric Worms, Director of the ENS-PSL
Support the ENS Library
To continue these efforts, every contribution matters. You can support the library by making a one-time or recurring donation via our online form.
On behalf of the Fondation de l’ENS and the Ulm–Jourdan library teams, we thank you sincerely for your commitment to preserving the School’s heritage.