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Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery facts for kids
| Albin Owings Kuhn Library & Gallery |
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| Country | United States |
| Type | Academic library |
| Established | 1968 |
| Location | University of Maryland, Baltimore County 1000 Hilltop Circle Catonsville, Maryland 21250 |
| Coordinates | 39°15′23.5″N 76°42′41.5″W / 39.256528°N 76.711528°W |
| Collection | |
| Size | 1.2 million volumes |
| Access and use | |
| Population served | 530,000+ per year |
| Other information | |
| Director | Patrick Jose Dawson |
The Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery is the main library at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) in Catonsville, Maryland. It's right in the middle of the campus. This huge library holds over 1 million books and journals. It also has nearly 2 million photos and slides, plus thousands of sound recordings and old documents.
Besides all the books, the library has a special art gallery. There are also unique collections of historical items. Students can find quiet study spots and even a cafe inside. It's a busy place, helping over 530,000 people every year!
History of the Library
The first part of the library was built in 1968. It was placed on a hillside near a pond. This design gave it both a lower and an upper floor. As the university grew, the library also got bigger.
In 1975, an east wing was added to the building. The library was officially named in 1982. It honors Albin Owings Kuhn, who was the first leader of UMBC. Later, in 1995, the library got a big upgrade. This $23 million project made the library tower and main entrance even better.
Amazing Special Collections
The UMBC Special Collections Department is like a treasure chest. It has many historical items. You can find old documents, cool artifacts, and lots of photos and films. This department holds more than 2 million photographs!
Some of these photos are by very famous artists. These include Ansel Adams, known for his nature photos, and Lewis Hine. Other famous photographers like Berenice Abbott and Diane Arbus also have work here.
The collections also include many other interesting things. There's a collection of science fiction books. You can also find items about Maryland's history. These special collections help students and researchers learn about the past.
Retriever Learning Center: Study Anytime!
In September 2011, UMBC opened a special study area. It's called the Retriever Learning Center (RLC). This center is open 24 hours a day for students. It's a safe place where students can study whenever they need to.
The RLC is on the ground floor of the library. Only UMBC students can get in, using their school ID card. Inside, there's a special "Math Lab" to help with math homework. There's also a room for group meetings and vending machines for snacks.