Charles V. Park Library

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Charles V. Park Library is the main library of Central Michigan University, named after librarian Charles V. Park. The library holds over 71 million volumes of books, periodicals, and government documents. It is located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The Clarke Historical Library is located within the library as well.

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[edit] History

The library was built in 1968 and opened to students in 1969. The 173,500 square foot structure was about three times as large as the former library located in Ronan Hall and cost $4.2 million to erect. As the building of the library was helped by a federal grant, the original cornerstone of the library contained Richard Nixon's inaugural address and a report on the war in Vietnam written by Secretary of State Dean Rusk.

The library was expanded and renovated at a cost of $50 million dollars in the early 21st century. It was reopened to the public in 2002. The architects for the expansion were URS, Inc., and Woollen Molzan and Partners.

[edit] Off-Campus Library Services

Central Michigan University’s Off-Campus Library Services Program (OCLS) is among the oldest, continuously running programs of its kind in the United States, originating in 1976. It offers library services to students enrolled through distant learning options. In 1982, the Off-Campus Library Services Conference was originated by librarians at Central Michigan University and it is still being held every two years.

[edit] Figures

  • 306,988 total gross square feet
  • 1.3 million volume storage capacity
  • 300 computers with internet access for patron use
  • 33 miles of compact shelving
  • 2,655 patron seating capacity
  • 144 seat multimedia auditorium

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[edit] External links