For many students, the library is a sanctuary of focus, a hub of late-night cramming sessions, and the backdrop to countless academic journeys. But how much do we really know about this campus cornerstone? Beyond the books and silent floors, the library is evolving, sometimes loudly, with construction buzzing in the background. The Merensky 2 Library is much more than a place to study because different activities take place throughout the year. Zenzile Ntshabele, an employee of the library since 2016, describes some of the events that take place: ”Poetry nights for creative expression, visits from therapy dogs for students who find comfort in interacting with furry friends, easter egg hunts, and events that explore topics such as networking, mentorship, building resilience, and balancing academic demands with mental wellbeing.”
As students navigate their studies, they also have to deal with the noise in the Merensky 2 Library that has been going on. For the past few weeks, various construction noises have made it difficult for some students to study. Asenathi Nqobeni, a third-year BCom student, said, “It is so frustrating, and it affects me in a way that my focus shifts and I end up not doing what I came [to] the library [to do].” She also added, “They must work at night when there are no students studying on the computer side.”
PDBY spoke to Modisa Khosie, Deputy Director for the Department of Library Services, about the aim of the construction and how long it will take. He explained, “The construction is mainly [the] building of the new Gallery linking level 3 and 4 and upgrading the main lending reception desk. It also includes the complete makeover of the MakerSpace into a Digital Technologies Hub.” Khosie went further, saying, “The construction project is running from 12 January 2026 until 31 May 2026.” The expected final look has been displayed on the screens that are in the library, and it seems it will become a more modern and efficient space.
The university’s main library provides students with different resources such as discussion rooms, short loaning periods for books in the Study Collection, and advanced technology through its MakerSpace (3D printing, Internet of Things, virtual and augmented reality, and much more). These resources are accessible to anyone who wants to use and explore them. For book enthusiasts, the library also hosts two book clubs, one at the Merensky 2 Library and another at the Education Library. In addition, students can explore a wide selection of fiction titles available in the Book Nook on Level 6 of the library, offering a perfect way to unwind from academic work.
Student academic success is a very important part of the library’s daily operations. When PDBY asked how the library achieves this, Ntshabele said, “[By] providing access to academic resources that are aligned with their curriculum, including prescribed books, eBooks, and credible research articles available through the library’s databases and website.” Nqobeni agreed that the library does enough to help the students succeed academically.
While the Merensky 2 Library is a work in progress, it remains a vital space for students, continually adapting to meet their evolving needs despite the occasional hum of drills at 11:00. The construction represents a necessary step towards modernisation. Khosie explained, “Building a 21st century library that enhances the user experience is our ultimate goal.” Ultimately, students come for the silence but stay for the activities and resources they did not even know existed.
Visual: Mpho Makwela
