Library History

K-State Libraries began providing educational resources to the students and community in 1863, with the establishment of Kansas State Agricultural College. The initial collection contained a mere 2,700 volumes, but as it grew, the collected materials were relocated three times around campus in buildings such as Farm Machinery Hall, Anderson Hall, and Fairchild Hall.

In 1926, construction began on Farrell Library, the first building to house only the libraries’ collections. It has since had three structural additions, most recently with the dedication of Hale Library (pdf) in 1997.

On May 22, 2018 there was an accidental fire on the roof of Hale Library. The building suffered substantial damage as a result of the smoke and the large amount of water needed to extinguish the fire. Sadly, the historic side of the library was the hardest hit.

The original 1927 Farrell Library including the Great Room will require extensive restoration efforts. Renovation and restoration will occur thoughout the entirety of the building. Please visit our blog to read more about Hale Library's recovery process and receive important updates about our progress.

In addition to Hale, there are four branch libraries: Math/Physics Library, Kansas State Polytechnic Library, Veterinary Medical Library, and Paul Weigel Library of Architecture, Planning and Design.