Timaru Boys High School Memorial Library

​The Timaru Boys High School Memorial Library was built in brick and Oamaru stone with a Marseilles tile roof.
 
The building combines two distinct architectural styles, the Free Classical alongside Arts and Crafts touches.  It is one of the few buildings in this region to be awarded Category I status by Heritage New Zealand.
 
The Library is an inverted T in shape – the horizontal stroke of the T was built in 1924, while the north wing with the stained glass window was added following WWII in memory of the 133 Old Boys who died in that war.  Turnbull & Rule were the architects on both occasions.  The memorial window features Sir Gawain of King Arthur's Round Table, the School arms and the armed forces together with symbols of self-sacrifice, goodness of spirit, conflict, justice, peace and hope.
 
The interior is striking, using a subtle array of classical motifs.  Two major lintels carry Latin inscriptions: Non Omnis Moriar ("We do not wholly die") and Non Nobis Solum Nati Sumus ("Not to ourselves alone are we born").
 
A new school library was built in 1971 allowing the Memorial Library to be restored to a worthy role as the school museum and archive resource.
 
The Memorial Library remains the focal point for Anzac Day services and special functions, being held in high esteem by the school and the wider community.
 
Jan Gilbert