1934–2009: Celebrating 75 years of the new University Library
Building commences
Throughout 1927 - 1928 both plans for the new Library and negotiations with the Rockefeller Foundation moved steadily forward. Finally, on 15th January 1929, the new plans - complete with tower - were approved. The Library was to cost £500,000 of which half was given by Rockefeller with the rest being made up from other donations and the University's own funds.
On 29th September 1931 the first of 1,200 ferro-concrete piles was driven into the ground and building work commenced. Progress was rapid throughout 1932 and 1933. In all, 1,075 tons of structural steel was riveted together to form the superstructure, over 30,000 square feet of glass supplied to make up the 850 windows and, in the stacks alone, over 3000 light fittings were installed. By summer 1934 the new Library was ready.
Click on the images to see larger versions and their descriptions.
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