BGSU Historic Campus Tour
William T. Jerome Library

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 By the early 1960s, the University was expanding significantly in several directions. The number of students and faculty was growing increasingly, the number of academic departments and their reputations were expanding, and the number of buildings were multiplying. However, the original library designed to serve merely 800 people remained. Thus, the Board of Trustees approved plans to build a new, and much larger, library to meet the growing population and academic needs of the community. Since that time, the library has increased its holdings, advanced technologically, and its reputation has grown in prestige.

Listed below are additional highlights in the history of the building:

  • 1963, Board of Trustees approves plans for construction of a new library.
  • 1965-7, construction of library completed.
  • 1982, officially renamed William T. Jerome Library.
  • 1986, listening lab moves to library.
  • 1986, smoking banned in building.
  • 1986, first floor reorganizing reference materials and movement of alumni lounge.
  • 1986, $537,550 renovation completed. Improvements include repair of all steps, ramp, and patio near building.
  • 2002, $200,000 cooling tower replacement scheduled for May.
  • 2002, water proofing and exterior improvements.
  • 2002, Music Listening Center renamed in honor of Frank & Virginia Crawford.
  • 2009, roof replacement for second floor
  • current--deck renovation project
Jerome Library