UBC Reports | Vol. 51 | No. 1 | Jan. 10, 2005

Timepiece 1925

Main Library Under Construction

By Chris Hives, University Archives

Designed by the architectural firm of Sharp & Thompson, the Library was one of the three original permanent buildings on the Point Grey campus. The Library's granite facing stones were quarried on Nelson Island in Pender Harbour and barged to the foot of the Point Grey cliffs. From there they were hauled to the building site using an aerial tramway and light railway system. Two wings (1948, 1960) were added to the original structure.

Currently the site of extensive construction and renovation activity, the Main Library is being transformed into the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre. The project will result in the removal of the building’s two additions and a new structure will wrap around three sides of the original Library building.

Opening of the new Barber Learning Centre is scheduled for late 2006.