Timeline – from foundry to library
The building that today holds the library originally served as a foundry hall for Jönköpings Mekaniska Werkstad. Follow the timeline to see how its usage and design have changed over time.
Jönköpings Gjuteri is founded in 1859 by Frans Gustaf Sandwall, Johan Edward Lundström and Carl Frans Lundström.
The company is reorganized and changed its name to Jönköpings Mekaniska Werkstad.
The ”fish belly” bridge crane, which is later mounted in the ceiling of the foundry hall, is manufactured by Halmstads gjuteri AB.
The foundry hall, designed by architect Magnus Steendorff, is being built for Jönköpings Mekaniska Werkstad.



During the 1960s, the foundry hall roof burns down and is replaced by the saddle roof that remains to this day.
The foundry hall is expanded to the south with a steel building covered in yellow sheet metal.




The foundry, which at that time was run by Scanpump, is closed down after operations were reduced over a ten-year period.
The building is used as a venue for art and music projects by Jönköping Municipality.
The entire industrial area, including the foundry hall, is sold to Högskolefastigheter i Jönköping AB.
The foundry hall is rebuilt into a library.
Exteriorly, the foundry hall has retained its original appearance. The only change is the removal of a cupola and renovation of the roof and gables, all of which took place after a fire in the 1960´s. Interiorly, two freestanding rafters have been added and the library’s holdings are housed on the three floors of the foundry hall.
A new three-story building was built directly to the east of the old structure. The two buildings are connected by an atrium. The new building consists of staff offices, study rooms and group rooms.
The architectural drawings are made by White Arkitekter AB, Gothenburg. On 11 August 1997, the new University Library is opened for business. The official dedication of the new university campus took place on 25–27 September 1997.
At this time the library had a larger collection of printed material, which was reflected in the building. Over the years the number of shelves decreased as more and more material became digital.

The library makeover
In 2021 and 2022, a major renovation of the premises was carried out to better meet the changing needs of the patrons. Key words during the renewal were reuse and restoration. Most of the furniture has been restored and reused and the floor on the ground floor has been sanded.















