Walter Library
 A view of Northrop Mall as well as a frontal view of Walter Library | |
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Type | Academic library |
| Scope | Science and Engineering |
| Established | 1924 |
| Location | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| Coordinates | 44°58′31″N 93°14′10″W / 44.975272°N 93.236134°WCoordinates: 44°58′31″N 93°14′10″W / 44.975272°N 93.236134°W |
| Branch of | University of Minnesota Libraries |
| Website | lib.umn.edu/walter |
Walter Library, located in the Northrop Mall on the University of Minnesota campus, is the current home to the College of Science and Engineering library, Digital Technology Center, Learning Resources Center, Digital Media Center, College of Science and Engineering Dean’s office, and the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute.
History
The library was built in 1923, and first opened to the public in 1924 as the University of Minnesota's primary library. It was designed by the architect Clarence Johnston, and the finished building costed a total of $1.4 million. As its neighboring buildings, Walter Library was designed in a Roman Renaissance style, with red brick and Bedford limestone trim with a colonnaded portico (pillar). The library was renovated in December 1999 by the Minneapolis architectural company Stageberg Beyer Sachs, for a sum of $63.4 million. This addition created the current configuration of the library, which now houses the before mentioned amenities (College of Science and Engineering Library, Digital Technology Center, etc.).
Namesake
Walter Library was named in honor of Frank Keller Walter, in 1959. Walter was the University of Minnesota's Librarian for over twenty years, from 1921-1943, and participated in the planning of the library.
Architecture
The renovated library, according to Conrad Schmitt Studios (a company that contributed to the renovation), is a "distinguished marriage of the old and the new". The library houses some of the latest computer technology, while also containing ornate pillars, high ceilings, and gold leaf gilded interiors. A common motif throughout the library is that of an owl, which, according to the Star Tribune, represents both wisdom and knowledge. There are numerous owls throughout the library, and a current tally of known engravings is roughly 225 owls.
References
"History & Facts about Walter Library". University Libraries. Regents of the University of Minnesota. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
"Walter Library, University of Minnesota". Conrad Schmitt Studios Inc. Conrad Schmitt Studios, Inc. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
"Walter Library, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (renovation)". Celsus: A Library Architecture Resource. Retrieved 30 September 2013.
"Frank Keller Walter". University Libraries. Regents of the University of Minnesota. Retrieved 30 September 2013.