Over 1.5 million stories wait within these walls. Welcome to the Johannesburg City Library. This magnificent Italianate building opened in 1935. It’s a testament to Johannesburg’s history and its love of literature. Architect John Perry designed this beauty. Its three imposing arches beckon you inside. Note the metal doors. They bear the initials LJ and BJ. These stand for Library of Johannesburg and Biblioteek Johannesburg.
The Johannesburg City Library is more than just books. Intricate stone medallions adorn the building. Peter Kirchhoff carved them. They depict famous figures. Moses Kottler added sculptures representing various disciplines. These are scattered across the building’s exterior. The library’s history is rich. It wasn’t always this grand structure. It started humbly in 1890. The first library was a simple corrugated iron building. It underwent several moves and renovations.
The Johannesburg City Library underwent a major transformation from 2009 to 2012. An old atrium was replaced with a three-story addition. This expansion increased the floor space considerably. Now there’s a coffee shop and upgraded facilities. A former theatre now houses a conference area. There is also a dedicated music and film viewing space. The collection itself is extraordinary. It contains hundreds of thousands of books. It also includes DVDs CDs sheet music and periodicals.
The library wasn’t always open to everyone. During the apartheid era access was restricted. In 1974 this library became the first public library in Johannesburg to open to all races. This was a significant step toward equality and inclusion. Today the Johannesburg City Library welcomes over 250 000 members. It serves as a vibrant hub for learning and community engagement. It truly is a treasure for Johannesburg. Its grand architecture and impressive collection stand as symbols of knowledge and progress.
So step inside. Explore its shelves. Discover the untold stories within. The Johannesburg City Library. A place where history and the future of reading meet.