Celebrating R.G. Menzies Library 50th Anniversary

The R.G. Menzies Building

The R.G. Menzies Building was named after Sir Robert Gordon Menzies (1894-1978) who was instrumental in the development of the Australian National University due to his long-standing commitment to the development of tertiary education and research in Australia. Sir Robert Gordon Menzies laid the foundation stone for this first purpose built University Library in May 1961 and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II formally opened the Library on 13 March 1963.

The R.G. Menzies Building is a late twentieth century design featuring the cubiform shape of the International Style and the strong, bold shapes of the Brutalist Style. It was designed by architects John F Scarborough and Partners, in association with Max Collard and Guy Clarke, and constructed by Simmie & Co. Pty Ltd. The copper screens by the Sydney sculptor, Lyndon Dadswell (1908-1986), were designed for the external façade of the south wing of the building.

Over time the building has undergone major alterations to accommodate different phases of growth in user community and library holdings.

Today, the R.G. Menzies building is one of five Library branches and is home to the Asia Pacific Collection.

March Thirteenth by Imogen Ingram, ANU Library

Folks....
What can I say?
It was a marvellous day,
The sun was shining,
The stars were aligning,
For all to celebrate on March Thirteen,
The time since Menzies was opened by the Queen.

Fifty years we did commemorate,
With slices of cake on a plate,
Stories and speeches well-timed,
Delivered to an audience primed,
To reflect on the value of libraries and learning,
And their role in the world that’s yearning,
For a depth and quality of research,
That none can besmirch.

The ANU Library tribe,
Created a unique and memorable vibe,
Through technology, smiles and heart,
Each in equal part.
Loud comes the call,
‘Well done’ to all,
For an event that will continue to resonate,
As being bloody great!!!!