NDSU Libraries to celebrate 75 years during Open House
This year NDSU’s Main Library building turns 75, having opened on Oct. 6, 1950, to better serve students and accommodate the growing collection and resources offered.
Students, staff, faculty and community members are invited to attend the NDSU Libraries Open House on Monday, Oct. 6 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., to celebrate the NDSU Main Library and Institute for Regional Studies’ 75th anniversary.
This year NDSU’s Main Library building turns 75, having opened on Oct. 6, 1950, to better serve students and accommodate the growing collection and resources offered. Today, the Main Library serves thousands of students every year, housing over a million physical items and over 200 databases.
“For 75 years, the Main Library has been a cornerstone of NDSU campus life, providing the resources and spaces students need to learn, explore and succeed,” said Jolie Graybill, dean of Libraries. “This anniversary allows us to reflect on the library’s history and transformation, while also looking forward to how we can continue supporting students in the decades ahead.”
The Institute for Regional Studies, which preserves the history of North Dakota and its people, was also founded in 1950. As the oldest regional studies centers in the Great Plains, the Institute for Regional Studies collects historical documents, photographs, publications and other items related to the history of the state.
“Since 1950, the Institute for Regional Studies and NDSU Archives have grown to become one of the premier historical research facilities in the region,” said John Hallberg, lead Archives associate. “Our early founders had the foresight to identify and collect records of historical and cultural significance, and we have grown to include strengths in Agricultural history, pioneer era and early settlement, politics and the Nonpartisan League, North Dakota literary figures, women’s issues and organizations, local governmental records, photojournalism and music.”
To recognize this history and look ahead to the years to come, the Open House will allow for attendees to explore some of the student-centered spaces in the Main Library, including the Digital Fabrication Lab, the Data Visualization Lab and the Multimedia Studio.
Historic NDSU yearbooks and photos showcasing the Main Library throughout the years will be on display highlighting the transformation of the space.
Opening remarks will be made by NDSU President David Cook, Graybill and Tom Isern, a University Distinguished Professor in history. Light refreshments will be served, and students will perform live music. Free parking near the Main library will be available for attendees.
To further celebrate its history, the Open House event will include tours of the NDSU Archives (West Building) located at 3551 7th Ave N. Shuttles will take attendees between both buildings throughout the event.
Attendees also will have the chance to support the library through donations, such as becoming a Friend of the Library, which allows donors to have borrowing privileges of the Libraries physical collection. People can also support the NDSU Libraries during Giving Day taking place on Oct. 14-15.
“Today, the Main Library looks very different than it did in 1950, with emerging technology spaces such as the Data Visualization Lab and Multimedia Studio preparing students for success beyond NDSU,” Graybill said. “These spaces, along with expanded collections and updated facilities, are made possible through the generosity of our community and donors who support the Friends of NDSU Libraries program.”
