The Alexander M. Bracken Library is celebrating its 40th anniversary with the opening of an exhibition, “Bracken Library: 40 Years of Service, Innovation, and Growth,” chronicling its history and major milestones.
The exhibit is organized into a timeline highlighting major developments throughout Bracken Library’s first 40 years, including the automation of the library’s card catalog to allow for online searching, the development of innovative classroom spaces for library instruction, and the acquisition and creation of signature research collections, online databases and technologies. Historical items on display include:
- original drawings and plans for Bracken Library
- a 3-D print of the library using the architectural plans for the building
- historic photographs and digitized film from the library’s early years
- the library’s 1 millionth addition, a jewel-covered book donated by the Bracken family
The dedication ceremony for Bracken Library, named for Ball State University trustee and benefactor Alexander M. Bracken, took place March 26, 1976. The 320,000-square-foot building was planned with an eye toward the future, designed to support the academic needs of a growing student population by providing a central, flexible library space with ample resources for research and collaborative learning.
The exhibit will open on its second floor from March 25 through May 6, and a free, public party will be held later today to celebrate the anniversary of the library.