Hale Library

Hale Library is an award-winning, 400,000-square-foot library featuring a 24-hour study area and numerous research resources.

View Hale Library on the campus map.

 

Building History

The original building, completed in 1927, was named Farrell Library in honor of Francis David Farrell, the university's eighth president (1925-1943). It was designed in a "collegiate Gothic" style to reflect the architecture of Oxford, Cambridge, and other campuses from the 1920s. This was the first building on campus dedicated solely to housing the library.

Hale Library features an architectural design that includes a seven-arch loggia entrance and finial-topped towers that rise six and seven stories high. The interior boasts oak hardwood floors, brass handrails, sculpted metal banisters, and carved and etched limestone facings. Additionally, the door ornamentations depict native Kansas plants and wildlife. An expansion was completed to the southwest in 1970.

Due to the growing collections and the need for more student space, a significant renovation and expansion project was initiated. Funding for this project came from various sources, including $18 million from a federal windfall allocated by Governor Joan Finney, $5 million from a student referendum, and an additional $5 million from Joe and Joyce Hale, who were impressed by the students' dedication.

On October 5, 1997, the building was rededicated and renamed Hale Library in honor of the Hales. The original 1927 structure is designated as "Historic Farrell Library," and the main entrance to Hale Library is known as the Farrell Entrance. The library spans 400,000 square feet and has received awards for its design and functionality.