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.

The new library was renamed Benner Library and Learning Resource Center, after Hugh Benner, a 1919 Olivet graduate, first president of the Nazarene Theological Seminary (1944-52) and General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene (1952-68). Rightfully chosen as its namesake, Dr. Benner believed “The library is the intellectual heart of any college.”

Upcoming Benner Library 50th Anniversary Celebration Events
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Past Benner Library 50th Anniversary Celebration Events
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No Past events found.