Bizzell Memorial Library facts for kids
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Bizzell Library, University of Oklahoma
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The original entrance to Bizzell Memorial Library
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 Location in Oklahoma
Location in the United States
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| Location | 401 W. Brooks Street, Norman, Oklahoma |
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| Architect | Layton Hicks & Forsyth |
| Architectural style | Collegiate Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 01000071 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 3, 2001 |
| Designated NHL | January 3, 2001 |
The Bizzell Memorial Library, often called Bizzell Library, is a large, five-story brick building. It is located at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma. This impressive building has a special style called Collegiate Gothic or Cherokee Gothic. It was designed by the architecture firm Layton Hicks & Forsyth. The library was built in 1928 when William Bennett Bizzell was the university's president.
History of the Bizzell Library Building
When the University of Oklahoma first opened in 1890, its library was in the only building on campus. Sadly, this building was destroyed by a fire in 1903. A new library was built and opened in 1904. However, the university grew very quickly. The library soon became too small for all the books and students.
In 1927, officials decided to build a much bigger library. They set aside $500,000 for a new three-story building. This new library had special areas. It included a "treasure room" for rare books. There were also separate spaces for students doing advanced studies. The main reading room, now called the Great Reading Room, held most of the university's 105,000 books. The new Bizzell Library officially opened on February 21, 1929.
Later, the library grew even more. In 1958, a large addition was built. This addition made the library three times bigger. Another part was added in 1982, thanks to a gift from Doris W. Neustadt.
Today, Bizzell Library is the main research library in Oklahoma. It is part of the University of Oklahoma's library system. This system has eight libraries on the Norman campus. Together, they hold over 5 million books. Bizzell Library also houses special collections. These include books on the history of science and rare Bibles. It is also home to the University of Oklahoma School of Library and Information Studies. The university's library system is one of the largest in the Big 12 Conference.
A Landmark for Equality and Change
Bizzell Library is very important in history. It played a key role in the fight against racial segregation. This was a time when laws kept people of different races separate.
A retired Black professor named George W. McLaurin wanted to get his doctorate degree. He applied to the University of Oklahoma. At first, he was not allowed to join because of his race. This was due to Oklahoma's laws at the time. A court then ruled that he could be admitted. However, he was still treated differently. He was given a special desk in the library's mezzanine. He was not allowed to use the main reading room with other students. This was part of the "separate but equal" rule.
Mr. McLaurin believed this was unfair. He took his case all the way to the Supreme Court. This case was called McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. In 1950, the Supreme Court decided that treating Mr. McLaurin differently was wrong. This decision, along with others, helped to overturn an older ruling called Plessy v. Ferguson. These cases were very important. They set the stage for the famous Brown v. Board of Education case in 1954. That case made segregation in public schools illegal.
Because of its connection to this important court case, Bizzell Library was named a National Historic Landmark in 2001. It stands as a reminder of the fight for equal rights.
