Spear Library
The Carnegie Library was not the first library building on campus, that honor goes to the Spear Hall, built in 1884-85, which stood on what is now Tappan Square. This image is taken facing north east.
There had been various forms of book rooms and a large Literary Society collection previous to the building of the Spear Hall, however the Library in Spear Hall marks the beginning of a consolidated and professionally run library at Oberlin College. The dedication of the new library received an article in the November 7th, 1885 edition of the Oberlin Review, wherein it is stated: "After some seven removals the Library will at last have a place where it may take lasting root and grow as it has not done in the past."
This image, was taken facing west by someone on the edge of Main Street (foreground bottom) and showing the position of the building relative to the tree lined Tappan Walk leading to the Memorial Arch.
The Library occupied the upper to floors of the building, with a science laboratory on the main level. The statue of the "Reading Girl" (1869) sculpted by an American named John Adams Jackson in Florence, Italy. It was presented as a gift at the opening of the library by a Mr. Healy, and has remained a feature and symbol of Oberlin College Library ever since.
The book lined main reading room featured a circulation desk, card catalog, and portraits of Oberlin College Presidents.
Of the new, young librarian, Azariah Smith Root (appointed 1887) the College President's report of 1888 states: "The work of the Librarian has been excessive the past year, the business of cataloguing has lingered. He needs help and relief."
Article in The Oberlin Review for October 1, 1903.