Drexel Library

The Drexel Library has a long and storied history, and serves as a reminder of the history of Saint Joseph's University. From its conception, creation, migration, construction, and renovation, the Drexel Library has represented the Jesuit values Saint Joseph's and its students strive to exemplify. Its evolution over the decades is a testament not only to the library itself, but the University as a whole, as it continues to evolve to better serve our ever-changing world.

The Drexel Library is one of the defining characteristics of Saint Joseph’s University, and has existed in one form or another since the establishment of the University in the 1800s. It has been a center point of university life, research, and community, and continues to play a crucial role in the character of SJU. In the early 1900s, it became clear that Barbelin Hall simply could not contain the library, and it required its own dedicated building. The evolution of what came to be known as the Drexel Library can be broken down into three main phases, from its construction in the 1930s, its remodeling in the 1960s and ‘70s, and its modernization into what we know today during the 1990s. By tracing its history along these lines, we can observe how the Drexel Library fits into the broader history of the school, the city, and the world at large.

What Started off as the school's auditorium, soon became the school's location for independent study. The auditorium would become the perfect place for the library due to the building's adequate size and the large open area already in place. The school sent out a pamphlet to the alumni asking for donations. They promoted the idea of community. Already the school was looking towards the future with accommodations towards the future. Thus the first payment of 194$ was paid to the architect. Oak bookcases with sliding ladders were implemented and old closets and classrooms were repurposed towards bathrooms and offices. This is the beginning of what would be the grand building that stands here today.

 The 1960s and ‘70s are what would be considered in the library’s history as the tumultuous years. Not only will this shed some light on the introduction and construction of the Post Learning Commons, it will also provide a snapshot of how decisions were made among library staff and school faculty, and therefore a glimpse at the everyday culture of college students during this time. The initial notes of development started in 1975, this is when initial talks began and created a plan for the school. There was a high focus on explaining the necessity for a larger place of learning, both for students and for ever expanding college moving into a far more advanced age. These letters that began the process were made in dedication to the university and its donors. They emphasized the changing world and how students will need a place not only to discover untold truths but to be comfortable and enticed to find further knowledge. Furthermore, on the topic of comfortability, the interior and exterior were designed with the furniture and the study rooms the school thought were most useful both for efficiency and comfort for students including home style individual study rooms furnished with cozy furniture. Also during this time before development, the early stages, there began discussion and studies into prediction about the future growth of the school and how many people will be using the library within 5, 10 and 15 years. Everything was meticulously planned out based on how much space each person in the library deserves while they are inside. Even the employees had how much square feet would be considered theirs to operate and work in. All the entire operations of developing this renovation into the future starts off with a quote that's quite humorous, “I know what we think we should have-, but those SQUARE FEET!”S

The turn of the new millennium was uncharted territory for the library, and the changes made during this time illustrate the emergence of what we know today as the Drexel Library and Post Learning Common. We can see this evolution by the change in the Library’s hours of operation. In years past, the schedule followed a conservative way of thinking. As we can see from the photo of the schedule, the Library greatly expanded its availability to students. That is because there was a shift in the library staff to meet the demands of the new age. This is best exemplified by the construction of the Post Learning Commons. Constructed in between 2011 and 2013, the Post Learning Commons is a space for students to work both independently and together. It is the latest addition to the Library proper, and the most recent demonstration of how the Library and Saint Joseph’s as a whole has adapted to the modern world.

The Drexel Library has long exemplified what makes SJU unique: its long and storied history, built upon foundations of previous generations, has not gotten in the way of embracing new ideas and looking toward the future. The library and its amenities are vital in the academic lives of students on a daily basis, but in a grander sense, the library has come to represent what all SJU students strive to be; knowledgeable and firm with strong roots in the past, while maintaining flexibility and eagerness to embrace the challenges ahead.

Building Program for the Library and Notes,DL.0010,Saint Joseph's university records, Saint Joseph's university archives and special collections

Library Construction: 1935, DL.0010,Saint Joseph's university records, Saint Joseph's university archives and special collections

Library Hours @ 1990, DL. 005, Saint Joseph’s University Archives and Special Collections

Accommodations for space and related needs, DL.0010,Saint Joseph's university records, Saint Joseph's university archives and special collections

Drexel E. Library Funding, DL.0010,Saint Joseph's university records, Saint Joseph's university archives and special collections

The Spirit of the Times, DL.0010,Saint Joseph's university records, Saint Joseph's university archives and special collections

Construction Schedule, DL.0010,Saint Joseph's university records, Saint Joseph's university archives and special collections