The first activities for the construction of the new building of the Maribor University Library began in the 1960s, but it was only in the mid-1980s when the project was finally included in the financial plans for culture and education.
In 1986, however, the investment was finally approved and the first sod was turned on the site between Orožnova, Gospejna and Miklošičeva Street. Of course not everything went smoothly, and construction was compromised a few times because of the financing issues. Nevertheless, the works were completed within two years and the new library building was finally finished.
Some 950 Mariborians participated in moving the library books to the new site. On 4 October 1988, they formed a human chain between the old building in Prešernova Street 1 and the new library. About 1,500 books were passed person-to-person, thus symbolically showing the link between the old and new University Library.
"It was an idea from my theatre days. Of course I was told it was a »schnapps« (silly) idea. But I insisted it would be okay. And it was!" said dr. Bruno Hartman, the Library Director, when reminiscing about the big move.
The University of Maribor library
Gospejna ulica 10
2000 Maribor
