This story appears in the Spring 2023 issue of DePauw Magazine arriving in May.
By Casey Patrick
In 1879, a fire destroyed old Asbury Hall. Among the wreckage, fewer than 6,000 books were saved. This meager collection sat in storage until a space was carved out in the basement of East College to become the school’s first official library. The facility was open to young scholars 8–11:45 a.m. daily.
Over the years, DePauw’s library footprint, accessibility and resources have expanded again and again to meet the needs of students, faculty and scholarship in general. Arguably the most remarkable expansion was unveiled in January 2023, when students returned to Roy O. West Library after three years and an extensive $30 million renovation. The project covered 92,602 square feet and brought the beloved yet outdated library instantly into the 21st century.
The dedication to…
