“Books” were first mentioned in the minutes of a Museum meeting in 1900. The first donations to the Library included  the journals Annals of the South African Museum, Annals of the Transvaal Museum and Records of the Albany Museum as well as the book “The uncivilized races of man” (Mackenzie, J. 1888).

Dr van Hoepen, Director of the Museum at the time, took care of the Library himself, but from 1930-1945 he was assisted by Miss M. Smith. Dr A. van Gast was the first official Librarian (1948-1950). From 1951 librarians changed almost annually until 1961 when Mr N.F. Smith was appointed. He was an excellent Librarian and established most of the Library systems. His death in 1970 was seen as a tremendous loss to the Museum. He was succeeded by Ms C.A. Koole who held the post for 11 years until 1987. At this time the Library moved to its current location. Ms M.E.I. Bronkhorst served as Senior Library Assistant (1983-89) and later as Senior Librarian (1990-1994). When she retired, Ms Engela Wessels was appointed as Head of the Library on 1 July 1994. During this time the Library was computerized, with all books and journals recorded on Library database software. Engela was also the inspiration behind the production of a promotional DVD for the National Museum. Following Engela’s retirement at the end of 2008, Ms Ina Marais was appointed as Acting Head of the Department, and was appointed as Head of Deparment in February 2010.