University of Colorado - Coloradan Yearbook (Boulder, CO)

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Such was the importance assigned to the precious 1,500 volumes in the College equipment, and such the boon it proved to the pioneer Workers in the trying times of 1878. But the library grew apaee, as shown by the following figures of increase, taken from tl1e'Biennial Reports: RGPON- Volumes. 1878-82 1,500 1884 ..... 1,796 1886 3,349 1888 . . . . . . 4,817 1890 6,910 1892 8,209 1894 9,354 1896 13,156 1898 18,495 1900 . . . . . . 21,847 1902 .................................................. . . . 25,531 and today the collection contains above 27,000 bound volumes. Though the growth of the library has not been rapid, it can be claimed that it has been along lines of utility and substantial Worth. Selections for purchase have been made by competent hands, with a discretion regulated by the limited funds at disposal. Actual needs have, in most cases, determined their character, which has resulted in a practical and valuable collection of Working material. Appropriations for the library, dependent upon the general appropriations for the University, have ever been limited and insufficient for the keenly felt demands. As former President Hale, in his remarks at the dedication of the 48

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THE LIBRARY Libraries are not a mushroom growth, are not born of a day 3 cannot even be cre- ated by act. Their ineeptions are gener- ally most humble, at times unproinising, and not infrequently discouraging. A library, in its true sense-a practical and useful collection of books-must be the product of gradual accretion, a devel- opment along certain lines of demand. Especially must this be true of college li- braries. Even were funds available- which is never the case-these could not be bought ready made. To this law our University Library is no exception. N 0 bow of promise ushered in its birth. At A LF R E I, W H I TA K E R the opening of the University in Septem- ber, 1877, it is recorded that there were no books. The emergency, however, existed and was seriously recognized. One of the most noteworthy fruits of President Sewall's administration was the founding of the University Library. This was effected through the efforts of fHC11llZy and students, and the liberal cash donation oi' 342,000 by Mr. Charles G. Buckingham, of Boulder. In fitting appre- ciation of this gift, which laid iirin the foundation of the library, and which, by its timeliness, was far more potent than its iigures would indicate, it was given the name of the Buckingham Library of the University of Coloradof' In the Catalogue of 1878 announcement was made that the library con- tained 1,500 volumes, and in the issue of the Denver Times of October 26 of that year, a press representative, reporting an inspection of the various de- partments of the University, writes: The Buckingham Library is perhaps the most valuable-in fact, the only-adjunct in the way of apparatus, con- nected with the University. it it it I t is all that that excellent, hard-work- ing Faculty have to cheer and help them on their way. 47

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Hale Building, pleasantly put it: We cannot deny that our legislators have been economical-in spots. Less value has been put into the University plant than into the dome of the Capitol. In spite of conditions, however, the collection has steadily expanded, and three times has it been moved, to provide adequate accommodations for its in- crease. Outgrowing its first home-the single room in the southwest corner of the second iioor of the Main Building-in 1894 it passed to the upper story, where, though difficult of access, it had spacious and pleasant quarters. In J uly, 1899, out of respect to the arehitectis opinion, the collection was moved from the third story to the basement, which has proved more accessible, and where it remains awaiting the comipletion of the new building. The stereotyped announcement that The final purpose is a separate build- ing provided with seminary rooms and accommodations for special study, has appeared almost from the early years. Repeated appeals by the Regents, and the persistent eEorts of President Baker, for this purpose, proved for many years fruitless, serving, however, to convince the public and the legislators of the merits of our necessities. Their claims were recognized at last, and in 1899 the Twelfth General Assembly included in an appropriation of S110,000 made for the University the sum of 830,000 to begin a library building. Such was the financial condition of the State, however, during the next two years, that not a dollar of the amount was received. But the pledge was redeemed by the Thirteenth General Assembly, which passed the appropriation of 340,000 with which the first or central portion of the new building is being built. The complete design provides for a central portion, 6511110 feet, with a wing of 50 feet on either side, giving ia total frontage of 165 feet. The material used is the light gray Golden brick, with light stone trimmings, and red sand- stone for the basement. With the handsome material used, the rich but digni- fied character of architecture, and withal its central location on the Campus, it will be an edifice worthy of the University and the State. The central portion is the first to be built. For its proper completion an additional sum of 830,000 is necessary, and is asked of the Legislature now in session. Ground was broken for the building September 2, 1902. On January 17, 1903, the corner stone was laid by the Grand Lodge of A. F. Sz A. M. of Colorado, with the impressive ritualistic ceremonies of the order, under the direction of Most Worthy Grand Master Marshall H. Dean. On the east face of the stone was inscribed: CORNER STONE Lain BY GRAND LODGE A. F. 8z A. M.OE COLORADO. ' Marshall H. Dean, Grand Master. James R. Killian, D. G. M. George T. Cooper, S. G. W. Benjamin L. James, J. G. W. Andrew Armstrong, G. Chaplain. Joseph A. Davis, G. Marshal. 49