Algerian independence - Burning of the Library

On June 7, 1962, the Organisation de l'armée secrète (better known as the OAS), a militant underground organization opposed to Algerian independence, burned down the library of the University of Algiers destroying 112,500 books. This was one of the culminating acts of the 1954-1962 Algerian War which included many atrocities on both sides. On July 1, 1962 Algerians in overwhelming numbers voted in favor of independence from France. 
The burning of the library was seen as a symbol of the rightness of Algerian independence and resulted in a number of Muslim countries issuing postage stamps commemorating the tragic event. This cover and the stamps on it were issued by Libya, and sent to me by my dear friend Maria.