History of the Library

2005 State funding was granted toward the renovation project and construction began on June 1, 2005.

The University of Utah Press formally becomes part of the Marriott Library organization.

2000 The multi-million dollar Renovation-Innovation capital campaign commenced to fund major renovations to the 1968 portion of the Marriott Library.

1996 The J. Willard Marriott Library was rededicated to celebrate a 210,000 square foot expansion, which nearly doubled the library's size and provided much-needed shelving areas as well as a state-of-the-art multimedia center.

1969 Designed by Lorenzo S. Young & Partners and built by Tolboe Construction, the new J. Willard Marriott Library was dedicated. Named for Mr. Marriott in recognition of a generous gift for collections, the library housed 1,178,985 volumes and provided seating for 3,000 students.

1935 The library moved to the George Thomas Library Building , which now serves as the Museum of Natural History on Presidents Circle .

1906 The first professionally trained librarian, Esther H. Nelson, was hired.

1900 Library located in what is now the LeRoy Cowles Building on Presidents Circle . It housed 12,950 volumes with seating for 100 students out of a student body of 765.

October, 1874 President John R. Park opened the library and reading room stocked with his personal collection of books on loan to the University. The reading room seated 50 individuals.

November, 1850 Three years after pioneers reached the Salt Lake valley, the first University of Deseret designated the first University librarian, William I. Appleby. The first recorded donations to the University were in the form of books.

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2/26/07