Merensky II Library (photos)

Abstract

Consisting of six levels, this building houses the UP Library Service Head Office as well as the faculty libraries for Humanities, Theology, Natural and Agricultural Sciences, EBIT and Economics and Management Sciences library. It forms a focal point of the University's Hatfield Campus. The original library was initially housed in the Old Arts building before being relocated to the Old Merensky Library. Despite expansions to the Old Merensky Library in 1957, it soon became too small and the firm Lou, Marais, Marquard and Kuhn was appointed in 1969 to design a new library. Construction started in November 1971 and in August 1975 the building was completed. In the construction process the southern wing of the Old Chemistry building was demolished. An interesting feature of the library is the spacious feel of the ground floor due to the three-level high ceiling in the central area. The panelled tapestry in the foyer was commissioned in commemoration of the Centenary celebrations of the University in 2008 and was designed and embroidered by rural community members of the Kaross™ embroidery initiative in the Limpopo province. Adjacent to the library is a study centre that accommodates up to 1 230 students.