SMC library celebrates 20 years of service
By ANNELIESE WOOLFORD
News Writer
Saint Mary's Cushwa-Leighton Library celebrates its 20th anniversary today by honoring its past, present and future.
In its 20-year history, the library has adapted to changing times.
Before Cushwa-Leighton was opened in 1982, books were housed in the Alumnae Centennial Library, now known as Haggar College Center. The library was crowded and uncomfortable, lacking many luxuries now taken for granted, Saint Mary's graduates say.
"I didn't like the library, and I didn't like studying in it," said Noel Wehrung Becker, a 1971 alumna. "It wasn't a suitable working environment."
Sister Bernice Hollenhorst, who recently retired as library director after 26 years in the position, realized the need for a functional library on campus. She and John Duggan, then-president of the College, collaborated to design the new facility.
With support from alumnae Margaret Hall Cushwa and Mary Lou Morris Leighton, plans for the library began. Indianapolis-based architect Evans Woollen was chosen to design the new building, and construction began in October 1980.
The building was completed in June 1982, and Cushwa-Leighton Library was formally dedicated on Sept. 3, 1982.
In 1983, Cushwa-Leighton was recognized and honored by the American Library Association in cooperation with the American Institute of Architecture as one of the best new libraries of 1982.
"When we first opened the library, we weren't publicly computerized at all. We didn't have any electronic references and had to instead rely on paper indexes," said Bob Hohl, interim library director.
"Today we can provide access from the library here to other libraries all over the world. That really was a utopian dream 20 years ago."
Cushwa-Leighton Library is part of the Midwest Area Library Consortium, along with the libraries at Notre Dame, Holy Cross and Bethel College in Mishawaka.
Its "ex libris" electronic circulation and catalogue mode also allows for more co-op ventures with other area libraries.
Housed in its five levels are over 200,000 books, offices, reading lounges, study rooms, a media center, college archives and the Trumper Computer Center. The Trumper Center is located in the basement of the library and is open 24 hours for student access.
"We hope to continue the program we've made by providing more electronic databases and by continuing to identify what it is we need to have," Hohl said.
A reception will be held today from 1 to 3 p.m. in Cushwa-Leighton to celebrate the building's anniversary. Scheduled activities include a cake-cutting, exhibit of photographs, card signing for Sister Bernice and a gift presentation to the library by College President Marilou Eldred.
All News Stories for Tuesday, September 3, 2002
