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On The Move

Image caption: First known photograph of the Cal Poly library, after relocated to the Science Building (aka Anderson Hall), circa 1918. University Archives Photo Collection, ua-pho_00000553.
1916–1946

On The Move
Interior photo of library

By 1916 the library moved to the second floor of the Science Building, later known as Anderson Hall. Grace Hill was Cal Poly’s first full-time librarian, listed in the course catalog for 1916 (she was also the first advisor of the Polygram, Cal Poly’s first newspaper).

In 1939 the library was relocated to the center of campus, in the newly constructed one-story classroom units. Captain J.C. Deuel, an instructor in Physical Education, served as Cal Poly’s librarian from 1925 to 1941.

In 1942, the library moved to the recently completed Business Administration building (now known as Cotchett Education Building). Future president Robert E. Kennedy, hired as a Journalism professor and publicity manager, was appointed librarian.

They wanted me to become the librarian–on a temporary basis–of course, just until a qualified librarian could be found to take over. “What about all my other jobs?” I asked. “Oh, you can keep them. You’re doing a fine job and we know that with enrollment dropping off because of World War II, there will be fewer students in your classes, so you can fill in the time buying books, cataloging them, checking them in and out, etc.
– Robert E. Kennedy

He would continue to serve as librarian until 1946, when Ainsley Whitman was hired as a full-time librarian.

1903–1916
Post card with the first Cal Poly library

The First Cal Poly Library

Cal Poly’s first library opened in 1903 on the first floor of the original Administration Building. Since the library was adjacent to Director Leroy Anderson’s office, the duties of the librarian were assigned to Naomi Lake, the Director’s secretary.

1916–1946
Interior photo of library

On The Move

By 1916 the library moved to the second floor of the Science Building, later known as Anderson Hall. Grace Hill was Cal Poly’s first full-time librarian, listed in the course catalog for 1916 (she was also the first advisor of the Polygram, Cal Poly’s first newspaper).

1948-1980
Mustang newspaper clipping of library news

Walter F. Dexter Memorial Library

Plans for the first library building began in 1941 but were halted until 1947 due to the war. In 1947, the Office of the California State Architect submitted construction plans of the new library and classroom building, and after approval, construction began.

Dedicated in October 1948, the $700,000 library memorialized the Sacramento administration Walter Friar Dexter, who had helped secure collegiate status for Cal Poly eight years before. It was the first space specifically designed as the Cal Poly library.

1960 - 1980

Petition for a new library

The rapid increase in student enrollment in the 1950s and 1960s meant that Dexter Library could not meeting the needs of the campus. Enrollment grew to nearly 15,000 full-time-equivalent students and the library became badly overloaded, with students crowding into reading rooms and thousands of books placed in remote storage.[2] By the 1960s, students were calling for new library spaces.

1980 - present
Artist rendering of library

Kennedy Library

The site selected for the library was previously occupied by six temporary wooden barracks and a mess hall built during World War II. The 36-year-old structures were used until the fall of 1977 for faculty offices and laboratories for architecture and child development, and were then relocated on campus, including the "Z-Lab."[5]