Benner Library 50th Anniversary Celebration

The history of Olivet’s library on the Bourbonnais campus began with its location in the Burke Administration building in 1940. By 1955, it became imperative, for accreditation, that Olivet build a modern library. Memorial Library was constructed and dedicated in January 1956, with Ruth Gilley, the librarian, being “… the guiding spirit in setting up this valuable facility” (C.S. McClain). The building served the university well for the next 20 years.

In 1975, a major addition of 80,000 square feet was added to accommodate and provide resources for the increasing student enrollment and the new nursing program and master’s in education degree. The college also needed to make room for updated technology and media equipment such as computer center, a graphics room, TV Studio, 2 darkrooms and a music library. Allan Wiens was library director at the time.