Africana Library
Why Kimberley Matters
Over the years, we have noticed that many of our guests—whether visiting Kimberley for business or leisure—have wondered why this remarkable city has played such an important role in South Africa's history over the past 160 years.
These pages invite you on a coffee-table journey through Kimberley's past, from the discovery of the Eureka Diamond in 1867 and the Great Diamond Rush, through wars, political change and the rise of the world's diamond industry, to the city we know today. They are not intended to be an academic history, but rather an enjoyable introduction to the people, places and events that shaped Kimberley.
So, make yourself comfortable, pour a cappuccino or a cup of chai, and enjoy exploring the remarkable story of one of South Africa's most fascinating cities.
The Africana Library on Du Toitspan Road. Photo: © Richard Jones, 2014
Outstanding Example of 19th-century Civic Architecture
Opened as the Kimberley Public Library in 1887, the building itself is one of Kimberley's finest Victorian landmarks. It was designed by J. R. Elton under the supervision of Public Works architect R. E. Wright and became one of the first major public buildings constructed after the arrival of the railway in Kimberley. Its elegant cast-iron gallery, colourful brickwork, Welsh slate roof and beautifully proportioned reading room remain outstanding examples of nineteenth-century civic architecture.
Visitor Information
Location: 65 Du Toitspan Rd, Kimberley (2km from The Solomon)
Duration: Depending on the reason for visit >30mins
Contact:
Tel: 053 8306247
Email: Africana@solplaatje.org.za
From Public Library to Africana Library
The Kimberley Public Library first opened in modest accommodation in 1882 before moving into its purpose-built home on Dutoitspan Road in 1887. Remarkably, the funds required to construct the building were raised almost entirely through public subscription during a period of economic depression on the Diamond Fields.
By the early twentieth century, the library had become one of South Africa's finest public libraries. Within only fifteen years, its collection had grown to more than 21,000 volumes, making it one of the country's largest libraries outside Cape Town.
As its Africana collections expanded, they became internationally recognised for their historical importance. In 1984, the public lending library and the specialist Africana collections were separated, and the Kimberley Africana Library officially opened as an independent institution in 1986.
Extraordinary Collections of Printed Media
Today, the Africana Library holds extraordinary collections spanning the discovery of diamonds, the development of Kimberley, the Anglo-Boer War, and the social history of southern Africa. Researchers from around the world visit to consult the rare books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, newspapers and archival collections.
Among its treasures are early publications in African languages, including Tswana, Xhosa, Zulu and San languages, rare books documenting the first diamond discoveries, newspapers dating from the Great Diamond Rush of the 1870s, maps and military records from the Anglo-Boer War, and thousands of historic photographs recording Kimberley's transformation from dusty mining camp to one of the world's greatest diamond cities.
The photographic collection is particularly remarkable, preserving images of early diamond mining, the Siege of Kimberley, Victorian street scenes, architecture, community life and many of the people who shaped the history of the Northern Cape.
The Public Library opened in 1887
Bernard Klisser
Visitors will notice the bronze bust of Bernard Klisser, whose dedication to preserving Kimberley's documentary heritage helped establish the Africana collections as one of the country's finest regional archives.
His work ensured that invaluable books, manuscripts, maps and photographs relating to Kimberley and the Northern Cape were preserved for future generations.
Bronze bust of Bernard Klisser.
Architectural Highlights
The building itself is worth visiting even if you are not conducting research. Look out for:
- The elegant cast-iron gallery was manufactured by McFarlane of Glasgow.
- The impressive Victorian reading room.
- Original decorative brickwork.
- Welsh slate mansard roof.
- Beautiful timber joinery with surviving stencilled decoration.
Together, they make the building one of Kimberley's finest surviving examples of late Victorian public architecture.
Why Visit?
If the Big Hole tells the story of Kimberley's diamonds, the Africana Library preserves the written memory of the people who found them, lived here, fought here and built the city.
Whether you are tracing your family history, researching the Anglo-Boer War, studying early diamond mining or simply appreciating historic architecture, the Africana Library is one of Kimberley's hidden treasures.
Continue Exploring Kimberley
Whether your interests lie in history, culture, dining, shopping, entertainment, or simply discovering somewhere new, we hope these guides help you make the most of your time in Kimberley. If you're planning a visit to the City that Sparkles, Solomon Edwardian Guest House offers elegant accommodation in the historic suburb of Beaconsfield. Ideally situated for business and leisure travellers alike, The Solomon provides a comfortable base from which to explore.