The magnolia in the Quad has flowered and it is now the time of year on campus where students’ thoughts for the most part turn to studying for exams. We thought that we would share some images past and present of the main university library with you.
Main Library entrance then and now
The main university library on campus was originally on the second floor of the Clocktower building in what is now the Council Chamber. A new library building opened in 1965 on the corner of Albany and Cumberland streets. That building was replaced by the Information Services Building in 2001 on the same site.
View looking east in Main Reading Room (Original Library) (1964). Hocken Digital Collections, accessed 12/09/2026, https://hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/12485
Prime Minister's Department, There is ample provision for quiet study in the Library of the University of Otago (1949). Hocken Digital Collections, accessed 12/09/2026, https://hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/53138
University of Otago, Photographic Unit, Central Library, University of Otago, from Castle Street (1970s). Hocken Digital Collections, accessed 12/09/2026, https://hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/64846
Otago Daily Times (Newspaper), Main reading room, University of Otago Library (c.1968-1970). Hocken Digital Collections, accessed 12/09/2026, https://hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/52070
University of Otago library interior
Students studying on the first floor of the library
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