Louis Round Wilson Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wilson Library |
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Wilson Library opened in 1929 and today serves as the special collections library at the University of North Carolina.
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| Location | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina |
| Built | 1927–1929 |
| Website | Wilson Library |
The Louis Round Wilson Library is a very important building at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It opened in 1929. For many years, it was the main library for the university. Today, it holds many special collections. These collections include rare books and historical items. The library's tall dome reaches 85 feet high. It stands out on the university's South Quadrangle.
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History of Wilson Library
The Wilson Library was built between 1927 and 1929. This was a time when the university was growing very quickly. Many new buildings were constructed on campus during these years.
Designing a Grand Library
Architect Arthur Cleveland Nash helped design the library. He worked with William Kendall from a famous design company. They created a beautiful building in the neo-classical style. This style looks like grand old Greek or Roman buildings. The library also followed ideas from "Carnegie libraries." These were libraries built with money from Andrew Carnegie.
Named for a Visionary Librarian
In 1956, the building was named after Louis Round Wilson. He was the university's very first librarian. Before this, people just called it "the library." Wilson had worked hard for many years to get a new, larger library built. He wanted a building that could hold enough books to make it a top library in the country.
Facing Tough Times
The library opened on October 19, 1929. Just ten days later, the stock market crashed. This event started the Great Depression. Money for the university became very tight. Louis Round Wilson had to find other ways to get money for the library. He asked people for private donations and help from foundations. Many of these gifts during the Depression helped create some of the library's most important collections.
Growing and Changing Roles
The original building was quite large. It was 219 feet long and 140 feet deep. Over the years, additions were made to the building. The first was in 1952, with more in 1976 and 1984. Wilson Library served as the university's main library until 1984. That's when the new Davis Library opened. Now, Wilson Library is mainly used for its special collections. Its North Carolina Collection is the biggest collection about a single state in the United States.
Amazing Collections at Wilson Library
Wilson Library is home to several unique and valuable collections. These collections help people learn about history, culture, and the university itself.
- Rare Book Collection – This collection started in 1929. It now has over 200,000 printed items. It also includes original drawings, old handwritten books from the Middle Ages, and important historical papers.
- Southern Historical Collection – This collection began in 1930. It helps us understand the history of the American South. It has more than 15 million items.
- North Carolina Collection – Also started in 1930, this is the largest collection anywhere that focuses on a single state. It's all about North Carolina!
- University Archives – This part of the library collects and saves records from the University of North Carolina. It helps people learn about the university's past.
- Southern Folklife Collection – This collection opened in 1989. It focuses on traditional music, art, and culture from the American South.
