Knight Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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University of Oregon Library and Memorial Quadrangle
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Detail of north facade.
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| Location | Eugene, Oregon |
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| Built | 1937 |
| Architect | Ellis F. Lawrence |
| Architectural style | Lombardic Romanesque, Art Deco |
| NRHP reference No. | 90000370 |
| Added to NRHP | 1990 |
Knight Library is the main library at the University of Oregon (UO) in Eugene, Oregon, United States. It's a very important building on campus, known for its classic design. The library is a busy place where students go to study and learn.
As of 2008, the library had over 3 million books and other materials. It also keeps special collections like old photos and handwritten documents. These are called primary sources, which means they are original materials from a specific time. The library is also a special place where the government sends its publications for people to read.
Contents
Building the Library: A Look Back
The Knight Library first opened its doors in 1937. It was built because the old library, Fenton Hall, was too small for all the books and students. The construction happened during the Great Depression, a time when many people didn't have jobs.
The project was part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). This was a government program that created jobs for people. Frederick Steiwer, a senator from Oregon, helped make this project happen. It took more than two years to build.
Who Designed This Cool Building?
The student newspaper, the Oregon Daily Emerald, called the new building "The New Libe." It was designed by Ellis F. Lawrence. He was a very important architect in Oregon. Lawrence also designed many other buildings on the UO campus. He was even the first leader of the University of Oregon School of Architecture and Allied Arts.
The library's design mixes different styles, like Art Deco and older Roman styles. It has many artistic details. You can see stone heads made by Edna Dunberg and Louise Utter Pritchard. There are also carved wooden panels by Arthur Clough. Plus, two big murals were painted by Albert and Arthur Runquist.
Keeping the Library Modern
The library has been updated three times to keep it modern. These updates happened in 1950, 1966, and 1994. These changes help the library serve the more than 20,000 students at the University of Oregon every day.
The 1994 renovation was a big one, costing $27 million. It added a lot more space to the building. Part of the money for this project came from Phil Knight. He is a UO graduate and helped start the famous shoe company Nike. Because of his help, the library was renamed Knight Library in honor of his family.
In 2020, some parts of the library's outside were painted. This happened on the sidewalk and the front door. The painting was aimed at words on a mural inside the library. Library staff later decided to cover these murals.
Exploring Special Collections
The University of Oregon Special Collections & University Archives is a special part of the library. It collects and keeps over 3,000 unique items. These include rare books, old letters, original art, and photographs. You can find these collections on the second floor of the Knight Library.
These collections are very helpful for students, teachers, and community members. They can use these original materials for their research and projects.
What the Building's Design Tells Us
The original part of the library, built in 1937, has special messages. These are carved above each of the seven large windows on the front of the building. They are in Latin and represent different subjects.
The words are "Philosophia" (Philosophy), "Historia" (History), "Religio" (Religion), "Ars" (Art), "Natura" (Nature), "Societas" (Society), and "Litterae" (Literature). They show the main topics you can find in the library's collections.
Above the main entrance doors, there's another message. It's a quote from the Bible (John 8:32). It says, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
A Historic Landmark: The Library and Quadrangle
The University of Oregon Library and Memorial Quadrangle is a very important historical site. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. This means it's recognized as a place worth preserving because of its history and design.
The quadrangle is the large open area in front of the library. It stretches from the library's front to 13th Avenue. This area was also part of Ellis F. Lawrence's plan for the UO campus.
The quadrangle is surrounded by other important buildings. These include the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and Chapman Hall on one side. On the other side are Prince Lucien Campbell Hall and Condon Hall. The landscaping of the quad includes eight English oak trees. These trees were planted in 1940.
Images for kids
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West side of the Library, showing all three main phases of construction
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Detail of the inscription over the east door
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Detail of the inscription over the west door
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Plaque dedicating walks of the quadrangle to war veterans
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View of the quad looking south toward the library
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View of the quad looking north toward 13th Ave.
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Paulson Reading room at the Special Collections & University Archives (SCUA) at the University of Oregon
