Benner Library's 50th Celebration
While a library has been part of Olivet’s campus since its earliest days, the current Benner Library building is celebrating 50 years of scholarship and service.

The Story of Olivet’s Libraries: A Legacy of Scholarship and Service
Tracing Our History Since Relocating to Bourbonnais
This exhibit highlights the evolution of Olivet Nazarene University’s libraries since the university’s relocation to Bourbonnais. It features the library buildings, past library directors, and the 1975 library staff—the year the current Benner Library was dedicated. Special recognition is given to Hugh C. Benner, for whom the building is named, and to the lasting legacy of scholarship and service that defines Benner Library’s mission while supporting the broader mission of Olivet.

Join us in celebrating 50 years of Benner Library! Take a fun, self-guided walking tour and discover all the library has to offer. In just about 25 minutes at a steady pace, you’ll explore highlights throughout the building. Stairs are part of the route, but the elevator is always available. At each stop, follow the walking instructions and scan the QR codes (or use the provided links) to unlock special video content along the way!

Unwind and read. Bring any book to this informal setting. Our Silent Book Club is a no pressure book club: no reading deadlines or requirements. Just bring a book or e-reader and enjoy an hour of uninterrupted reading! There will be a light snack served.

Browse great reads at our Homecoming & Family Weekend Book Sale! Discover a wide selection of gently used books at bargain prices—perfect for students, alumni, families, and friends. Proceeds from the sale support Benner Library’s services and ongoing commitment to scholarship and service within our campus community.

Silent Auction, featuring unique items and experiences. All funds raised will benefit library and archives initiatives.

Homecoming Events for 2025

Escape room
Trapped in Time: Escape Benner 1975
Your group was on a tour of Benner when, suddenly, you were transported back to 1975 for the grand opening of Benner Library. The time travel equilibrium needs to be restored so you can go back to the future before 30 minutes elapse and you get stuck in the past forever.

We will hold a brief celebration to kick off the Benner Library's 50th Celebration. Library Director Pam Greenlee will offer a short statement commemorating this milestone, and light refreshments will be served.

Archives Open House
Come reconnect with classmates and fellow alumni! Enjoy light refreshments, share your stories, and explore the Archives Viewing Room.
Browse a selection of items available for purchase—proceeds support our ongoing historical preservation efforts.

Current students, friends, and families are also welcome to stop by and take a guided tour of the Archives.

Don’t forget to check out Benner Library’s Silent Auction, featuring unique items and experiences. All funds raised will benefit library and archives initiatives.

As part of our 50th Celebration, you're invited to a special Library Open House! Alumni, students, families, past & present staff, and friends are all welcome to tour the library, connect with staff, and see how our spaces and services have evolved over the years. Enjoy guided tours, light refreshments including cake , in an inviting atmosphere as we celebrate five decades of scholarship and service in this location.

Join us for a special Library Employee Reunion during Homecoming as we celebrate Benner Library’s 50-year milestone of scholarship and service! All past and present library staff are invited to reconnect, reminisce, and share memories from across the decades. Enjoy light refreshments, catch up with old colleagues, and meet current staff as we honor the friendships, service, and lasting contributions that have supported and enriched our campus community.

Come Play Music Bingo!
Join us as we celebrate five decades of Benner Library with Music Bingo featuring hits from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, 2000s, and 2010s. Test your music knowledge for a chance to win a small prize! Music Bingo will run every hour on the half-hour (10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30). The decade of music played will be chosen based on participant preference.

Details:

• Space is limited; participants may be asked to work in small groups and share bingo cards.
• All are welcome—students, friends, faculty/staff, and families!
• Bingo daubers will be provided.

How It Works:
Listen to a short clip of a song and mark the correct title on your bingo card. Get bingo and win!

Unwind and read. Bring any book to this informal setting. Our Silent Book Club is a no pressure book club: no reading deadlines or requirements. Just bring a book or e-reader and enjoy an hour of uninterrupted reading! There will be a light snack served.

Unwind and read. Bring any book to this informal setting. Our Silent Book Club is a no pressure book club: no reading deadlines or requirements. Just bring a book or e-reader and enjoy an hour of uninterrupted reading! There will be a light snack served.

Unwind and read. Bring any book to this informal setting. Our Silent Book Club is a no pressure book club: no reading deadlines or requirements. Just bring a book or e-reader and enjoy an hour of uninterrupted reading! There will be a light snack served.