Barr Smith Library

The University of Adelaide Library originated in the Mitchell Building in the 1890's. Robert Barr Smith provided a number of gifts, totalling 9,000 pounds over the years 1892-1911 for the purchase of books.

In 1899, the University Council decided to name the library after one of its greatest benefactors, Robert Barr Smith.  In 1920, after his death, his family provided an additional 11,000 pounds to form an endowment for the Library.

By the 1920s the University Library had outgrown its accommodation in the Mitchell Building.  A new purpose built library was urgently required. 

In 1927-28 Tom Elder Barr Smith, Robert’s son, gave 34,718 pounds to build a new Library and a further gift of 10,000 pounds in 1941 for the purchase of books.

The 1932 building was designed by Walter Bagot of Woods, Bagot, Laybourne-Smith and Irwin, and was the fourth red brick building on the North Terrace campus.  It was opened on 4 March 1932 by the Governor, Sir Alexander Hore-Ruthven.

Constructed using a concrete frame and clad in red brick this Georgian Revival building has an imposing façade lining up with the Mitchell Gates.  It was positioned to provide a grand entrance into the University from Frome Road. 

Originally designed to hold some 15,000 volumes on open access with a further 100,000 in stacks, it has since been extended on three separate occasions: in 1958-1959, in 1967-68 and in 1970-71.  The 1971 extensions more than doubled the space previously available.

Unfortunately, Bagot’s vision for the library and its forecourt was destroyed with the erection of the Fisher Laboratories in 1960.  Later building developments necessitated the demolition of this rather unattractive building.  It is with a sense of relief that Bagot’s original vision for the library precinct has been restored.

The Reading Room of the 1932 building carries an inscription on the frieze commemorating the gifts by Robert Barr Smith and family, and T.E. Barr Smith.

Taken from:

• UAA Provenance Record UAR-0188; University of Adelaide Archives Information Sheet No.8
• The University of Adelaide, 1874-1974: A Statement of the Case for Supporting the University's Centenary Appeal.  1972.