Second annex on the north-west side 1959–1963
Work on the second annex begins in 1959. The building project directed by architect Gerhart Helmer rounds off the overall concept for the exterior of the building in keeping with the original plans. A new storage area for 1 million volumes and the Technology Reading Room are built. This Technology Reading Room and the surrounding areas with offices and “Black Staircase” counter the Western era of kidney-shaped tables with straight lines, sharp angles and large-scale décor using similar materials and colours.