Watson Library

Named after university librarian Carrie Watson, who served the University of Kansas from 1887 to 1921, construction of this library began in the spring of 1923 and the building was dedicated on September 11, 1924. Watson replaced Spooner Hall as the University of Kansas’s main library. The 1920s saw substantial growth and soon the new library could not accommodate their growing collection or student body. Successive additions, renovations, and remodels added space, along with the construction of other libraries. In 1989, Anschutz Library was constructed to hold the University's science and engineering collections.

When the University of Kansas opened its doors in 1866, the first library collections were held in the same location where all faculty offices and classes were located-- Old North, the only building on campus. The literary offerings were modest but soon expanded following the construction of Old Fraser Hall in 1872. In 1894, a donation by businessman William B. Spooner who was also Chancellor Snow's uncle, allowed the University to construct Spooner Hall. This freestanding library offered five times more space. As the University expanded its programs and degrees, including PhD programs, the library expanded is collection and plans were made to construct a larger main library.

In the spring of 1923, construction began on Watson Library and the state legislature allocated $250,000 for the purpose. The building was named after Carrie Watson, the longest-serving University librarian at that time with a career that lasted from 1887 to 1921. The library was opened for student use on September 11, 1924. Between 1938 and 1963, there were five structural additions to Watson Library. The result was a somewhat maze-like building from the perspective of students and librarians alike.

In 1978, the legislature approved the first phase of what would become a $6.2 million dollar long-term plan to revitalize Watson Library. With the completion of Anschutz Library in 1989, along with other specialized libraries on campus like Art and Architecture, Music and Dance, and the Law Library, Watson was able to offer more spaces for students and faculty.

McCool, John H. n.d. “The Library That Became A Labyrinth” KU Memorial Union. Accessed July 17, 2023.

"Watson Library", Historic Mount Oread, http://www.jayhawks.com/hmof/landmarks/watson.shtml

“Watson Library.” KU Directory of Places, https://places.ku.edu/buildings/watson-library