The unusual architecture of the Sandton Library is one of its biggest drawing cards for curious passers-by.

The imposing exterior gives no hint of the even more unique interior, which is often met with amazement by first-time visitors.

Located on Nelson Mandela Square, the former Sandton Square, it is an integral part of the Sandton City complex of buildings.

At the time of the design and construction of the new Sandton Library in 1994 the project created much discussion and even some opposition.

After its completion, the building was met with both favourable and unfavourable reaction from the public.

The Sandton municipality’s original civic library was due to open in September 1970, with a stock of 25 000 books, despite a struggle to find librarians. However, it opened three months later, with a stock of only 21 000 books.

Just a few years later, the Sandton Town Council had started to investigate the possibility of acquiring a new and larger facility for the library.

During November 1991, the Sandton Town Council finally approved the construction of a R20-million civic centre, which would include a new library. A major concern that led to the decision was the need for expanded study areas and space to accommodate a wide variety of educational books in a number of South African languages.

At the time, it was understood that change was imminent in the country and, as such, it was necessary for the library to include a number of services.

In an article published by the Sandton Chronicle in 1992, Santa Newlands, the town librarian, foresaw the need for an extensive community information centre, extended referral services, audio-visual material, courses for the unemployed, a comprehensive children’s library and a lecture programme.

Councillor Ernie Saks was a part of the groundbreaking on 1 March 1992 and the library opened its doors on 13 June 1994.

The atrium room and spiral pedestrian ramp won the Steel Award in 1995. The judges commented, “The traditional metaphor of the library as bastion of knowledge in the world sequestering illumination for the seeker within, is celebrated anew…’archaic’ honey-brick masonry walls without, hint little at the white lightness and poetry within.”