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Old University Library (1897-1918 ca)
Bentley Historical Library Photo: BL005194
General Library (1920-1925 ca)
Bentley Historical Library Photo: BL004294
Today, Hatcher Graduate Library
South Stacks and walkway
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Constructed during the “Golden Era,” the General Library Building
stood proudly at the center of campus with its distinguished semicircular
reading room and two twin towers, one containing a clock. It was constructed of stone, brick, and
unfortunately wood, which in the future became one of the reasons for its
demolition for the hazards it posed.[50]
When it was occupied in December of 1883, it could easily accommodate
55,000 books, but the growing collections over time made the library crowded,
and the needs for a new library became apparent.[18]
In 1919, a total of $645,000 was gathered to build a new library and
purchase its equipment. Detroit
architect Albert Kahn was hired to design the new library and construction
was begun in 1916.
The first portion of the Library Building
was four stories, 177 feet long and 200 feet wide before extra levels and
additions were added.[50] Reading
and study rooms are located at the front with the stacks located in the
center and back of the building.[5]
Because its structure is made of reinforced concrete, the books are
protected from the spread of fire.
Column placement also allows more flexibility in creating window
space, providing superior lighting.[50]
The structure also allowed the addition of two more building levels
above the North Stacks. The stacks
themselves were also capable of extending up to fifteen stories (although
they do not go that high). The
university was able save $150,000 when the old stacks from the original
library were reused.[50]
They still exist today.
In 1970, an eight story addition was added to the South
portion of the building. Before
construction, the university asked that the new wing not disrupt pedestrian
traffic or to be imposing of views on “The Diag” or the President’s house.[5]
The new addition houses more books, special collections, a map
library, periodicals, and study carrels.
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